bellows
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- (US) IPA: /ˈbɛloz/, SAMPA: /"bEloz/
- (UK) IPA: /ˈbɛl.əʊz/, SAMPA: /"bEl.@Uz/
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Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -ɛləʊz
[edit] Etymology 1
From Middle English belwes, plural of belu, belw, a northern form of beli, from Old English belg
[edit] Noun
bellows
- A device for delivering pressurized air in a controlled quantity to a controlled location. At its most simple terms a bellows is a container which is deformable in such a way as to alter its volume which has an outlet or outlets where one wishes to blow air.
- Any flexible container or enclosure, as one used to cover a moving joint.
- (informal or archaic) The lungs.
- (photography) Flexible, light-tight enclosures connecting the lensboard and the camera back.
[edit] Usage notes
- "Bellows" is used with both singular and plural verbs. One can even find "A bellows is/was".
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
air blower
informal: lungs
[edit] Etymology 2
See bellow
[edit] Noun
bellows
- Plural form of bellow.
[edit] Verb
bellows
- Third-person singular simple present indicative form of bellow.