Definition

A device consisting of a collapsible chamber with a valve or nozzle, used to blow air or gas forcefully; historically used to stoke fires in forges, fireplaces, and furnaces. Bellows work by alternately expanding and compressing to push air through an opening.

Example Usage

The blacksmith pumped the bellows to make the forge hot enough to shape the metal.

Origin

From Old English 'belig,' related to 'belg' (bag), referring to the bag-like chamber.

Fun Fact

Ancient bellows designs dating back to 2000 BCE have been found in archaeological sites, making them one of humanity's oldest mechanical devices.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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