bibulous
UK: ˈbɪbjʊləs | US: ˈbɪbjələs
adj. 1. Highly absorbent; tending to soak up liquids.
adj. 2. Fond of or inclined to drink alcoholic beverages.
bibulous = bibu<drink> + lous<adjective suffix>
- bibu (from Latin bibere "to drink")
- lous (Latin-derived suffix -lous, meaning "full of" or "prone to")
Etymology Origin:
The word bibulous traces back to Latin bibulus ("drinking readily"), derived from bibere ("to drink"). The suffix -lous (as in fabulous, ridiculous) conveys a characteristic tendency. Originally describing materials that absorb liquids (e.g., blotting paper), its figurative use for people who drink excessively emerged by the 17th century, blending literal absorption with metaphorical indulgence.
The bibulous sponge quickly soaked up the spilled water.
His bibulous habits made him the life of every party.
Blotting paper is prized for its bibulous quality.
The bibulous soil retained moisture for weeks.
She avoided bibulous gatherings to stay sober.