pyknic

American

[pik-nik] / ˈpɪk nɪk /

adjective

(of a physical type) having a fat, rounded build or body structure.

noun

a person of the pyknic type.

pyknic British

/ ˈpɪknɪk /

adjective

(of a physical type) characterized by a broad squat fleshy physique with a large chest and abdomen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pyknic

1920–25; < Greek pykn ( ós ) thick + -ic

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.

As Father Divine, the pyknic, cherub-faced leader of countless thousands who believed that he was God Himself and Dean of the Universe had, in a sense, shuffled off the mortal coil some 50 years earlier.

From Time Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023