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bellows

Syllabification: (bel·lows)
Pronunciation: /ˈbelōz/

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Definition of bellows

noun

[also treated as singular]
  • 1 (also a pair of bellows) a device with an air bag that emits a stream of air when squeezed together with two handles, used for blowing air into a fire.
  • a device similar to a pair of bellows used in a harmonium or small organ.
  • 2an object or device with concertinaed sides to allow it to expand and contract, such as a tube joining a lens to a camera body.

Origin:

Middle English: probably representing Old English belga, plural of belig (see belly), used as a shortened form of earlier blǣstbelig 'blowing bag'

bellows in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bellows in the British & World English dictionary

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