corpulence
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of corpulence
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word corpulentia. See corpulent, -ence
Explanation
Corpulence is a word for excessive weight. The Latin word "corpus" means "body," and corpulence is when someone has a lot of body, in other words, they’re fat. The word corpulence is old-fashioned, but it refers to something all too modern — the quality of being very overweight. This is much more than being a little overweight. One of Santa Claus' main features is his corpulence. Unfortunately, corpulence is a quality that many people have, and it poses many health risks.
Vocabulary lists containing corpulence
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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This Week In Culture: Current Events Vocab for September 26–October 2, 2020
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Our Mutual Friend
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Historically, corpulence was prized in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
From New York Times • Jun. 26, 2023
His Falstaff, a merry figure of debauched corpulence, was sculpted out of an immense quarry of colorful words.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2016
He’s confined to his apartment due to his corpulence as he tries to make peace with his past and reconcile with his daughter.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2014
His color, like his corpulence, is part of the current image.
From Salon • Dec. 16, 2013
He began to cultivate his corpulence and general physical dilapidation.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
