Pronunciation: [ɹə͡ʊtˈʌnd] (IPA) 
The word "rotund" is spelled with a "u" after "o" because of its Latin origins. The "u" signifies a long "o" sound, as represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /oʊ/. The word means round or plump, and is often used to describe a person's physique. It can also be used to describe objects with a curved, circular shape. The spelling of "rotund" may be tricky, but its meaning is clear and concise.
Rotund is an adjective that describes something or someone as being round or plump in shape. It is often used to refer to the physical appearance of a person or an object, specifically when they appear to have a full, rounded figure.
When used to describe a person, rotund implies that they possess a rounded body shape, typically with a large abdomen, and may imply that they are overweight or obese. However, it can also be used less critically to describe a person who simply has a pleasantly plump or well-rounded figure.
Rotund can also be used to describe inanimate objects, such as furniture or architecture, which have a rounded or curved shape. For example, a rotund piece of furniture may have a circular or bulbous design, while a rotund building could be characterized by a domed or curvaceous structure.
Beyond its physical connotations, rotund can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's speech or writing style as being full and round, suggesting that they use long, winding sentences or expressions. This metaphorical usage portrays a person as having a tendency towards verbosity or grandiloquence in their communication.
Overall, rotund is a word that primarily denotes a physical roundness, but it can carry negative connotations of excess weight, as well as positive associations of pleasant plumpness or well-roundedness.
• Round: spherical.
• Round; spherical; inclining to be round.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rotund" is derived from the Latin word "rotundus", which means "round, circular". In Latin, "rota" refers to a wheel or circle, and the suffix "-und" denotes fullness or completion. Over time, "rotundus" evolved in French and English to become "rotund", retaining its meaning of roundness or spherical shape. In the English language, "rotund" is commonly used to describe someone or something that is plump, chubby, or full-bodied.
