bellows

¹ American  

[bel-ohz, -uhz] / ˈbɛl oʊz, -əz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a device for producing a strong current of air, consisting of a chamber that can be expanded to draw in air through a valve and contracted to expel it through a tube.

2. anything resembling or suggesting bellows in form, as the collapsible part of a camera or enlarger.

3. the lungs.

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Bellows ² American  

[bel-ohz] / ˈbɛl oʊz /

noun

1. George Wesley, 1882–1925, U.S. painter and lithographer.

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bellows British  

/ ˈbɛləʊz /

noun

1. Also called: pair of bellows.  an instrument consisting of an air chamber with flexible sides or end, a means of compressing it, an inlet valve, and a constricted outlet that is used to create a stream of air, as for producing a draught for a fire or for sounding organ pipes

2. photog a telescopic light-tight sleeve, connecting the lens system of some cameras to the body of the instrument

3. a flexible corrugated element used as an expansion joint, pump, or means of transmitting axial motion

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Other Word Forms

• bellowslike adjective

Etymology

Origin of bellows

before 900; Middle English bel(o ) wes (plural), Old English belg, short for blǣst belg, plural belgas blast-bag; cognate with Dutch blaasbalg, German Blasebalg, Old Norse belgr. See belly

Example Sentences

At this time of year, the Forest should be echoing with the bellows of rutting red deer, and the clash of their antlers as they fought for females.

From Literature

A large furnace and bellows were set up at the far end of the room, complete with stacks of horseshoes and bits of iron.

From Literature

Low, joyful bellows from the village reached her ears.

From Literature

He has a voice, provided by Aaron LaPlante, but communicates with Fang in grunts and bellows.

From Salon

“And whose fault is that?” he bellows, wagging a finger toward the ceiling of our cabin.

From Literature