lump Definition

lump¹
noun

1. A small solid mass that has no definite shape.

Example: a lump of coal
2. A swelling or tumour.

Thesaurus: growth, protuberance, protrusion, swelling, mass, bump, cyst.
3. A number of things taken as a single whole.
4. A heavy, dull or awkward person.
(Brit)
5. Self-employed casual workers, especially in the building trade, paid in lump sums to evade tax.

Form: the lump

verb

lumped, lumping
1. To form or collect into a lump.

Idiom: a lump in one's throat

A sensation of tightness in one's throat, usually caused by a build-up of emotion.

Etymology: 14c.

Phrasal Verb: lump together

To gather (especially dissimilar things) into a group or pile, often without any legitimate reason for doing so.

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lump²
verb

lumped, lumping
1. colloq
To put up with something one finds unpleasant.
Example: like it or lump it

Etymology: 19c: one of a group of words, such as dump, grump, mump, etc, the sounds of which are thought to be inherently characteristic of their meanings.