bulla
[ˈbʊl.la]
The Latin word for bubble is bulla.
Bulla refers to anything that resembles a hollow sphere.
Meaning: anything resembling a hollow sphere (noun)
Which one should you use?
Vesicula is a more formal term used to mean bubble.
Did you know?
- In ancient Rome, a bulla was not just a bubble but a protective amulet worn by children around the neck. It was typically removed when a boy reached manhood and put on his toga for the first time.
- The word bulla is the root of the English word 'bull', as in a 'papal bull'. This refers to the lead seal used to authenticate official documents, which was shaped like a small bubble.
- In a surprising linguistic twist, the Latin word bulla shares a common ancestor with the Lithuanian word bule, which means 'buttocks'.
Examples in context
- Gutta, incidens in aquam, facit bullam, multae bullae faciunt spuman.A drop, falling into water, makes a bubble, many bubbles make froth.This sentence shows how a drop in water creates a bulla and how many of them create froth.Tatoeba #7305549 by jimkillock, translation #7305552 by jimkillock
- Vidēmus bullam parvam in vase.We see a small bubble in the vase.
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are looking at a bowl of soapy water near a fountain.
- GaiusIulia, vide bullam in aqua!Julia, look at the bubble in the water!
- JuliaIta, bulla est pulchra.Yes, the bubble is beautiful.
- GaiusCras plures bullas faciemus.Tomorrow we will make more bubbles.
- JuliaOptime, Gai!Great, Gaius!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bulla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bulla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
