Nubbier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. The quality of being thicker and rounder than normal The state of exhibiting a more noticeable and uneven texture An adjective indicating a greater prominence and irregular shape than usual forms
2. Characterized by having a larger number of small, rounded bumps or nodules, giving a rougher texture
3. Describes a surface or form that displays increased bumpiness with numerous tiny protrusions

Etymology: "Nubbier" is the comparative of "nubby," so it means "more nubby," and its history is that of "nubby" itself. That word is built from "nub," a small lump or knob, with the suffix "-y," which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having or full of" the thing named. A nubby fabric is one full of little knots or bumps, and "nubbier" simply says that one surface has more of them than another. The root "nub" is the more familiar of the two, appearing in phrases such as "the nub of the matter," where it means the central core or essential point, a sense that grows out of the same idea of a small, solid lump.

Synonyms: bumpier, rougher

Antonyms: smoother, flatter