bulto

Bulto is a Spanish noun with multiple related meanings that hinge on ideas of volume, mass, or form. It can denote a lump or swelling (un bulto en la piel), a bulky mass or a package (un bulto de mercancías), or a three-dimensional representation of a figure in religious art (un bulto religioso).

Medically, "bulto" refers to a palpable lump or mass, which may be benign or require evaluation to rule out infections, cysts, tumors, or other conditions. Context and location often guide assessment, and imaging or biopsy may be used as needed.

As a general term for a package or bundle, "bulto" can describe both the object itself and the act of transporting it, as in "traer un bulto" or "cargar un bulto." It also appears in logistics and everyday speech to mean a bulky load.

In religious art and devotion, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions, a "bulto" denotes a three-dimensional sculpture of a holy figure, such as a saint, carved or sculpted for processions and altars. The term distinguishes the figure from reliefs and paintings.

Usage varies by country; in some dialects "bulto" can imply a person with a large build or an object that stands out physically. The etymology traces to the Spanish concept of bulk, with no single agreed origin.