◙ noun 1. [mass noun] the mass or magnitude of something large • （巨大的）容积，体积；（大）量 »the sheer bulk of the bags. 这些袋子的巨大容量。 [count noun] a large mass or shape, for example of a building or a heavy body • 大块，大的外形（如建筑物或大块状的实体） »he moved quickly in spite of his bulk. 尽管块头很大，但他移动的速度还是很快。 [as modifier] large in quantity or amount • 大数量 »bulk orders of over 100 copies. 超过100册的大宗订单。 (the bulk)the majority or greater part of something • 大部分，一大半 »the bulk of the traffic had passed. 车流的大部分都已经过去了。 roughage in food • 食物中的纤维质 »bread and potatoes supply energy, essential protein, and bulk. 面包和土豆提供能量、必要的蛋白质和纤维质。 cargo in an unpackaged mass such as grain, oil, or milk • 散装货 [Printing] the thickness of paper or a book • [印刷] （纸或书的）厚度 ◙ verb 1. [no obj.] be or seem to be of great size or importance • （看起来）很重要 »territorial questions bulked large in diplomatic relations. 领土问题在外交关系方面占了很重要的地位。 2. [with obj.] treat (a product) so that its quantity appears greater than it in fact is • 使（产品）数量显得很大 »traders were bulking up their flour with chalk. 商人们在面粉里搀白垩以加重分量。 [no obj.] (bulk up)build up flesh and muscle, typically in training for sporting events • （尤指在为体育比赛做准备的训练中）增强肌肉 [常作 be bulked] combine (shares or commodities for sale) • 结合（待售的股票或商品）
【IDIOMS】
◘ in bulk 1. (of goods) in large quantities and generally at a reduced price • （商品）大量而折价销售的 »retail multiples buy in bulk. 零售增加了以折扣价购买的量。 2. (of a cargo or commodity) not packaged;loose • （货物商品）松散的，散装的 »sugar is imported in bulk and bagged on the island. 进口的糖是散装的，上了岛以后才用袋子进行了包装。
【语源】
1. Middle English : the senses 'cargo as a whole' and 'heap, large quantity' (the earliest recorded) are probably from Old Norse búlki 'cargo'; other senses arose perhaps by alteration of obsolete bouk 'belly, body'