boom

I. verb Etymology: Middle English bomben, bummen, of imitative origin Date: 15th century intransitive verb 1. to make a deep hollow sound 2. a. to increase in importance, popularity, or esteem b. to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion usually with an increase in prices <

business was booming

> c. to develop rapidly in population and importance <

California boomed when gold was discovered there

> d. to increase greatly in size or number <

the population boomed

> transitive verb 1. to cause to resound — often used with out <

his voice booms out the lyrics

> 2. to cause a rapid growth or increase of ; boost 3. to hit or kick forcefully <

boom a punt

> II. noun Date: 15th century 1. a booming sound or cry — often used interjectionally to indicate suddenness <

then boom, he was fired

> 2. a rapid expansion or increase: as a. a general movement in support of a candidate for office b. rapid settlement and development of a town or district c. a rapid widespread expansion of economic activity d. an upsurge in activity, interest, or popularity <

a folk music boom

> III. noun Etymology: Dutch, tree, beam; akin to Old High German boum tree — more at beam Date: 1627 1. a long spar used to extend the foot of a sail 2. a. a chain or line of connected floating timbers extended across a river, lake, or harbor (as to obstruct passage or catch floating objects) b. a temporary floating barrier used to contain an oil spill 3. a. a long beam projecting from the mast of a derrick to support or guide cargo b. a long more or less horizontal supporting arm or brace (as for holding a microphone or for supporting an antenna) 4. a spar or outrigger connecting the tail surfaces and the main supporting structure of an aircraft