Definition of "bellows" in English

noun

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.

   • When wood fires were common, so were bellows for helping start them.

2. Any flexible container or enclosure, as one used to cover a moving joint.

3. (informal or archaic) The lungs.

4. (photography) Flexible, light-tight enclosures connecting the lensboard and the camera back.

5. (figurative) That which fans the fire of hatred, jealousy, etc.

verb

1. (intransitive, transitive) To operate a bellows; to direct air at (something) using a bellows.

2. (intransitive, figuratively) To expand and contract like a bellows.

3. (transitive) To fold up like a bellows; to accordion.

noun

1. plural of bellow

verb

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of bellow