padding
This term describes the addition of soft material for comfort or protection, carrying a tactile sense of cushioning and safety. It is frequently used in industrial design, fashion, and sports equipment to describe layers that absorb shock or provide ergonomic support.
In communicative or technical contexts, the word takes on a more critical or functional tone. When applied to writing, it suggests a lack of substance or an attempt to deceive the reader regarding the actual depth of the content. In computing, it refers to a precise structural requirement for data alignment rather than a desire for bulk.
Meanings
Soft material used to make something more comfortable or to protect an object from impact.
The chair has extra padding in the seat for better support.
Extra space or unnecessary material added to a document, speech, or piece of writing to make it seem longer or more substantial.
The student added a lot of padding to the essay to meet the minimum word count.