bladder
UK: ˈblædə | US: ˈblædər
n. 1. A hollow, flexible sac in the body that stores urine or other fluids.
n. 2. An inflatable bag or container, especially one used in sports (e.g., a football bladder).
n. 3. (Archaic) A frivolous or boastful person (derived from the idea of "inflated" speech).
The word "bladder" traces back to Old English blǣdre, derived from Proto-Germanic blēdrǭ, meaning "blister" or "swollen sac." The root blad- reflects the concept of swelling or puffiness, likely linked to Proto-Indo-European bhlē- ("to blow, swell"). Over time, the term specialized to refer to anatomical sacs (e.g., urinary bladder) and later expanded metaphorically to describe inflatable objects or boastful behavior.
The doctor detected an infection in her bladder.
Traditional footballs were made using a pig’s bladder.
His constant bragging earned him a reputation as a bladder.
The diver’s buoyancy compensator acts like an adjustable bladder.
(Archaic) "He’s naught but a wind-filled bladder!" scoffed the old sailor.