Bellows

Definitions

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. The lungs.
   archaic, informal
4. Flexible, light-tight enclosures connecting the lensboard and the camera back.
5. That which fans the fire of hatred, jealousy, etc.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“When wood fires were common, so were bellows for helping start⟳ them.”

“That concertina was a wonder⟳ in its way. The handles that was on it first was wore out long ago, and he'd made new ones of braided rope yarn. And the bellows was patched in more places than a cranberry picker's overalls.”

“The three motors on each bogie are force⟳ ventilated from a blower mounted in the adjacent nose-end compartment of the superstructure, the air being led by ducts and flexible bellows connections to the air inlet at the commutator end⟳ of the motor.”

““Why, who should J. B. mean⟳ by Joe, but old Joe Bagstock—Joseph—your slave—Joe, Ma’am? Here! Here’s the man! Here are the Bagstock bellows, Ma’am!” cried the Major, striking himself a sounding blow⟳ on the chest.”

CEFR level