Puffy

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpʌfi/

Definitions

1. Bulging or inflated in shape, often appearing soft and fluffy, indicating a volume filled with air, moisture, or gas
2. Soft and swollen, typically presenting a rounded form, suggesting a texture that is airy and substantial due to the presence of gas or liquid
3. Appearing enlarged or swollen due to trapped air or fluid, giving a plump look ; having a soft, rounded surface that suggests a light and airy feel

Etymology: "Puffy" is simply "puff" with the adjective-forming suffix "-y" attached, the same ending found in words like "milky" or "sandy." The source word "puff" is itself of imitative origin, meaning a sudden blast of breath or air, and it entered English in the Middle Ages, with the "-y" ending added in Middle English. Both parts of the word therefore describe the same action: a puff is a little gust, and something puffy is full of that gust, swollen as though inflated.

Synonyms: swollen, bulging, inflated

Antonyms: flat, deflated