balloon

(bə-lo͞onˈ)

1. a. A flexible bag designed to be inflated with hot air or with a gas, such as helium, that is lighter than the surrounding air, causing it to rise and float in the atmosphere.
   b. Such a bag with sufficient capacity to lift and transport a suspended gondola or other load.
   c. Such a bag shaped like a figure or object when inflated; an inflatable.
2. A usually round or oblong inflatable rubber bag used as a toy.
3. Medicine A sac that is inserted into a body cavity or tube and distended with air or gas for therapeutic purposes, such as angioplasty.
4. A rounded or irregularly shaped outline containing the words that a character in a cartoon is represented to be saying.

1. To ascend or ride in a balloon.
2. To expand or swell out like a balloon. See Synonyms at bulge.
3. To increase or rise quickly.

Related Forms:

• bal·loonˈist noun