bulb

bulb

noun \ˈbəlb\

Definition of BULB

1

a : a resting stage of a plant (as the lily, onion, hyacinth, or tulip) that is usually formed underground and consists of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in overlapping membranous or fleshy leaves b : a fleshy structure (as a tuber or corm) resembling a bulb in appearance c : a plant having or developing from a bulb

2

: a bulb-shaped part; specifically : a glass envelope enclosing the light source of an electric lamp or such an envelope together with the light source it encloses

3

: a rounded or swollen anatomical structure

4

: a camera setting that indicates that the shutter can be opened by pressing on the release and closed by ending the pressure

— bulbed \ˈbəlbd\ adjective

Examples of BULB

1. the bulb of the thermometer

Illustration of BULB

Origin of BULB

Middle English, from Latin bulbus, from Greek bolbos bulbous plant

First Known Use: 15th century