noun

bolus

BOH-luhs

Bolus (noun) means a small rounded mass, especially of chewed food or medicine. Example: “The food formed a bolus before being swallowed.”

noun

A small rounded mass, especially of chewed food or medicine.

"The food formed a bolus before being swallowed."

A single large dose of a drug given all at once, rather than gradually.

"The nurse administered a bolus of insulin before the meal."

How to use bolus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rounded lump, or in medicine, one concentrated dose given at once.

Word forms

bolused past tense, boluses plural, boli plural, boluses singular

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The food formed a _____ before being swallowed.

Etymology

From Late Latin bōlus, "a lump," from Greek bôlos meaning "clod" or "lump."

Origin: Late Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “bolus” mean?

The word “bolus” means a small rounded mass, especially of chewed food or medicine. In plain terms, a rounded lump, or in medicine, one concentrated dose given at once.

How do you pronounce “bolus”?

“Bolus” is pronounced BOH-luhs (/ˈbəʊləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “bolus” in a sentence?

Here is “bolus” used in a sentence: “The food formed a bolus before being swallowed.”

What part of speech is “bolus”?

“Bolus” is a noun.

Where does the word “bolus” come from?

The word “bolus” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bōlus, "a lump," from Greek bôlos meaning "clod" or "lump.".

How many meanings does “bolus” have?

“Bolus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small rounded mass, especially of chewed food or medicine.