corpulent
UK[ˈkɔːpjələnt]US[ˈkɔːrpjələnt]
adj
having a large, bulky, or fat body
Morpheme Breakdown
corp
ulent
corp
body
ulent
full of
Etymology
the word 'corpulent' originates from the latin term 'corpulentus', which itself is derived from 'corpus', meaning 'body'. the suffix '-ulentus' is a common latin adjectival form indicating abundance. thus, the literal meaning is 'full of body'. this term entered middle english via old french, initially carrying a more neutral sense of 'large-bodied' or 'substantial'. over time, its semantic focus narrowed, and it acquired its current, more specific meaning describing a bulky or obese physique, directly linking the ancient root for 'body' to the modern concept of bodily mass.
Analysis
Structure: corp (body) + ulent (full of)
corp (from latin 'corpus', meaning 'body'), ulent (a latin adjectival suffix meaning 'full of' or 'abounding in').
Examples
the corpulent man struggled to fit into the narrow airplane seat.
his once athletic frame had become increasingly corpulent over the years.
the character was often portrayed as a jovial but corpulent fellow.