bellows

Meaning

Noun

1. 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.
2. Any flexible container or enclosure, as one used to cover a moving joint.
3. (archaic, informal) The lungs.
4. Flexible, light-tight enclosures connecting the lensboard and the camera back.
5. (figuratively) That which fans the fire of hatred, jealousy, etc.

Verb

1. (intransitive, transitive) To operate a bellows; to direct air at (something) using a bellows.
2. (figuratively, intransitive) To expand and contract like a bellows.
3. (transitive) To fold up like a bellows; to accordion.

Verb

third-person singular simple present indicative of bellow

bellow

• Noun
• Verb

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Synonyms

blower

sylphon

forge

handle air blower

compensator

cornice

waves

windbag

air blower

corrugated tube

expansion joint

leather bag

ceiling molding

ceiling moulding

design of parallel lines

rotor bellows

wind belt

air box

corrugated pipe

expansion pipe

forge bellows

air chest

sylphon bellows

blast box

oxyacetylene blow pipe

hand bellows

accordion pipe

diaphragm capsule

capsule stack

aneroid

wind-box

bag

bellow

belly

Translations

soufflet

Blasebalg

fuelle

soffietto

fole

mantice

körük

blaasbalg

follis

manxa

soufflerie

Balg

φυσερό

اكور

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbɛl.oʊz/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: belwes

Inherited from Old English: bæliġ

Cognate with German: Balg

In summary

From Middle English belwes, plural of belu, belwe, a northern form of beli, from Old English bæliġ, northern form of bielġ, from Proto-Germanic *balgiz. Compare German Balg. See also belly.
For the pronunciation /ˈbɛl.əs/, compare bodice, gallows.