bəˈlu:n n. & v. --n. 1 a
small inflatable rubber
pouch with a
neck, used as a child's
toy or as
decoration. 2 a
large usu.
round bag inflatable with
hot air or
gas to
make it
rise in
the air,
often carrying a
basket for passengers. 3 colloq. a balloon
shape enclosing the words or thoughts of characters in a
comic strip or
cartoon. 4 a large
globular drinking
glass, usu. for
brandy. --v. 1 intr. & tr.
swell out or
cause to swell out like a balloon. 2 intr.
travel by balloon. 3 tr.
Brit.
hit or kick (a ball etc.)
high in the air. øøballoonist n. [F ballon or
It. ballone large ball]