tubular
adj.adj. having the shape of a long, hollow tube. In 1980s slang, people also used it to mean something is excellent or very cool.
adj. having the form or shape of a tube; cylindrical and hollow. In a specific socio-historical register, it serves as a slang intensifier for excellence, particularly within 1980s California surf culture.
The bike frame is made of light, tubular steel.
The scientist examined the tubular structure of the plant stem under a high-powered microscope.
While the engineer focused on the tubular integrity of the pipeline, the surfer on the beach shouted that the massive waves were totally tubular.
From Latin tubulus + -ar. By surface analysis, tubule + -ar. The sense meaning "cool" or "awesome" is believed to be a figurative extension originating in surfing lingo, from the way that an excellent wave encloses a surfer within tubular walls of water.
Often used in technical contexts to describe physical shapes; the slang sense is now considered dated or nostalgic.