bulla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareTechnical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “bulla” mean?
A large blister or vesicle containing serous fluid, typically on the skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large blister or vesicle containing serous fluid, typically on the skin.
In medical contexts, a large fluid-filled blister; in archaeology/history, a type of hollow pendant or amulet, often clay or metal; in geology/biology, a rounded hollow or vesicle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is overwhelmingly a technical term with no everyday emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both BrE and AmE, limited to medical, archaeological, and scientific texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bulla” in a Sentence
The patient presented with [a bulla] on [the forearm].The [condition] is characterized by [multiple bullae].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bulla” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The skin condition can cause the epidermis to bullate, forming tense bullae.
American English
- In severe cases, the skin may bullate rapidly.
adverb
British English
- The lesions formed bullously overnight.
American English
- The rash spread bullously across the torso.
adjective
British English
- The patient had a bullous eruption on his palms.
American English
- Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune blistering disease.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, dermatological, and archaeological papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in dermatology (skin blister >5-10mm), pulmonology (air pockets in lungs), archaeology (ancient pendant).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bulla”
- Pronouncing it like 'bull' (the animal) – /bʊl/; the correct pronunciation has a schwa /ə/ at the end.
- Using it to refer to any small blister; it specifically denotes a large one.
- Confusing it with 'bullae' (plural) in writing.
- Misspelling as 'bula'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialist term used almost exclusively in medical, archaeological, and some scientific fields.
The plural is 'bullae', pronounced /ˈbʊliː/ or /ˈbʊlaɪ/.
Yes, in archaeology it refers to a type of hollow pendant or seal, and in geology/biology to a rounded cavity or blister-like structure.
In both British and American English, it is most commonly /ˈbʊlə/. Some American dictionaries also list /ˈbʌlə/.
A large blister or vesicle containing serous fluid, typically on the skin.
Bulla is usually technical/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bulging' 'balloon' on the skin – BULLA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BULLA IS A CONTAINER (for fluid or air).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bulla' LEAST likely to be used?