bellows
bellows Lexical Profile
bellows Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical device consisting of a collapsible air chamber with two handles and a nozzle, used to produce a strong stream of air to fan a fire.
"The blacksmith used the large leather bellows to fan the forge into a white-hot blaze."
A mechanism used to pump air into or through certain musical instruments, such as an accordion, concertina, or pipe organ.
"As she pumped the bellows of the accordion, the resulting rush of air produced a lively folk melody."
A flexible, pleated enclosure or component that can expand and contract, commonly found connecting the lens to the body in vintage cameras.
"The photographer carefully adjusted the camera bellows to achieve perfect focus on the distant landscape."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'bellows' can be treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'the bellows are') or a singular noun (e.g., 'a bellows'), and is frequently referred to as 'a pair of bellows'.
• Rhymes for bellows
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'belwes', the plural of 'belu' (bag, bellows), descending from Old English 'belg' meaning 'bag' or 'belly'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.