bellows

Meanings

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

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

1. plural of bellow

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of bellow

1. A surname.

Etymology

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.