bulb

English

/bʌlb/

noun
Definitions
  • Any solid object rounded at one end and tapering on the other, possibly attached to a larger object at the tapered end.
  • A light bulb.
  • The bulb-shaped root portion of a plant such as a tulip, from which the rest of the plant may be regrown.
  • (nautical) a bulbous protuberance at the forefoot of certain vessels to reduce turbulence.
  • (dated) The medulla oblongata.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English bulb derived from Latin bulbus (bulb, onion) derived from Ancient Greek βολβός (plant with round swelling on underground stem).

Origin

Ancient Greek

βολβός

Gloss

plant with round swelling on underground stem

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms