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bouffée

puff

noun boo-FEH Rare

Also means

wave (of feeling)

Usage Note

Bouffée derives from bouffer ('to puff') and describes a brief, sudden burst — of air, smoke, heat, or emotion. Une bouffée de chaleur ('a hot flush/flash') is the standard medical term for a menopause symptom; une bouffée d'air frais ('a breath of fresh air') is a common idiom for welcome relief. The double 'f' is characteristic of this word family.

Examples

"Une bouffée de chaleur l'envahit soudain."

Natural Translation

A wave of heat suddenly washed over her.

Literal Translation

A wave of heat invaded her suddenly.

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