rotund
UK: rəʊˈtʌnd | US: roʊˈtʌnd
adj. round or spherical in shape
adj. (of a person) plump; rounded in figure
adj. (of speech or writing) grandiloquent; excessively ornate
The word rotund entered English in the late 15th century from Latin rotundus (round), derived from rota (wheel). Its meaning evolved from literal roundness to figurative richness (e.g., rotund speech), reflecting how circular shapes metaphorically suggest fullness or excess. The suffix -und amplifies this sense, making rotund vividly descriptive of both physical and stylistic roundness.
The rotund moon hung low in the night sky.
The professor, a rotund man with a booming voice, captivated his audience.
Her rotund prose made the simple topic seem grandiose.
The rotund pumpkin won first prize at the fair.
He gestured with rotund enthusiasm, his arms sweeping wide.