Bombas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to multiple explosive devices designed to cause destruction or damage; it can also denote several units of certain foot coverings or types of hosiery; additionally, it may be used in some contexts to describe various forced air pumps or devices for moving fluids
2. Used to indicate a quantity of incendiary or explosive objects meant to detonate; it might also refer to numerous pairs of footwear such as socks or slippers; in another sense, it can mean several mechanical pumps employed to transfer liquids or gases
3. Denoting a collection of destructive charges capable of explosion; encompassing multiple articles of foot apparel similar to socks or stockings; furthermore, it can signify several machines used to increase pressure or flow of air or liquid substances

Etymology: "Bombas" is simply the plural of "bomba", a word that came into English from Spanish, where "bomba" means a pump, a bomb, or a bump on the head. The Spanish noun traces back through Latin "bombus", a booming or buzzing sound, to the ancient Greek "bómbos", which described a deep humming or booming noise. Imitation of sound is at the root of the whole family: the word began as an echo of noise before it named anything that made one. The English term was borrowed from Spanish, so the plural "bombas" keeps the Spanish ending, which English speakers often treat as a regular "-s" plural. In that sense the plural form is a small reminder that the word arrived as a loanword rather than being built from English parts.