pneumatic meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

pneumatic

adj

/n(j)uːˈmæ.tɪk/

Etymology From Latin pneumaticus, from Ancient Greek πνευματικός (pneumatikós, “relating to wind or air”), from πνεῦμα (pneûma, “wind, air, breath, spirit”), from πνέω (pnéō, “to blow, breath”).

Of, relating to, or resembling air or other gases

Of or relating to pneumatics

a pneumatic instrument or engine

Biology, Natural sciences, Zoology Having cavities filled with air

pneumatic cells or bones

Spiritual; of or relating to the pneuma

Of a woman well-rounded; full-breasted; bouncy

Her almost pneumatic bust tightened itself, and she was quite prepared to say uncharitable things, as she saw Felicia enter.1899, Alan Dale, His Own Image: A Novel, G. W. Dillingham Company, page 59:
"Every one says I'm awfully pneumatic," said Lenina reflectively, patting her own legs.1932, Aldous Huxley, chapter 6, in Brave New World, London: Chatto & Windus:

1 more example

This short but pneumatic woman had killed six men and yet for some reason he wasn't afraid.2015, Mark Sanderson, Robin Hood Yard (Snow Hill 3), HarperCollins UK, page 255:

Synonyms: aereous, airy, gaseous, pneumenous, voluptuous
Derived terms: apneumatic, autopneumatic, electropneumatic, electro-pneumatic, hydropneumatic, hyperpneumatic, nonpneumatic, opticopneumatic, pneudraulic, pneumatically, pneumatic bone, pneumatic device, pneumatic drill, pneumatic post, pneumatic trough, servopneumatic, thermopneumatic
Related terms: pneumaticity, pneumatization

pneumatic

noun

Dated A vehicle, such as a bicycle, whose wheels are fitted with pneumatic tyres.

Gnosticism, Lifestyle, Religion In the gnostic theologian Valentinus' triadic grouping of man, the highest type; a person focused on spiritual reality (the other two being hylic and psychic).