Some things that cause a billow are when the wind gets caught in the sails of a boat and when one has sheets on the washing line and the wind gets caught in them.
Collapse, shrink, dwindle.
The word 'billow' functions as both a verb and a noun.Examples:We watched the clouds billow in the breeze. (verb)A billow of smoke from the campfire enveloped the campers. (noun)
I saw a huge billow down by the beach yesterday!
A billow is a large wave, surge, or undulation of something, such as water, smoke, or a sound.
A billow maiden is any of the nine daughters of the sea-god Ran in Norse mythology.
The word 'billow' is both a noun (billow, billows) and a verb (billow, billows, billowing, billowed).The noun billow is a singular, common, concrete noun; a word for a large undulating mass, such as a cloud, smoke, or steam; a rolling mass like a high wave; a word for a thing.The verb to billow is to to fill with air and swell outward; to rise or roll in waves.
He watched the cumulus clouds billow as the winds blew them over the mountaintop. (verb) A huge billow of smog engulfed the valley below the factory. (noun)
of Billow
billowed
ripple, deflate
Substituting "wave" for "billow" changes the imagery and connotation of the text. A wave is typically smaller and more repetitive in nature compared to a billow, which is larger and more forceful. This substitution could impact the tone, depth, and intensity of the description.
It is a large swell, or wave of water.