bulb
bulb
Pronunciation
/bʌlb/
Syllable 1: /b/, /ʌ/, /l/, /b/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: bulb
Plural Noun: bulbs
Verb (base form): bulb (less common, usually used in specific contexts like "to bulb out")
Verb (third person singular present): bulbs
Verb (present participle): bulbing
Verb (past tense/past participle): bulbed
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A rounded, swelling part or object, often at the end or base of something.
Synonyms: knob, protuberance, swelling, globe
Antonyms: indentation, hollow, recess
Definition 2: A glass envelope enclosing a filament or gas, designed to produce light when electricity passes through it.
Synonyms: lamp, light, globe, illuminant
Antonyms: darkness, shadow (conceptual antonyms, not direct object antonyms)
Definition 3: A modified, usually underground, stem that bears fleshy leaves or scales, serving as an organ of food storage and vegetative reproduction in certain plants, such as onions, lilies, or tulips.
Synonyms: corm, tuber, rootstock (related terms, not always direct synonyms)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a botanical structure)
Verb
Definition 1: (Often used with "out") To swell or protrude in a rounded shape.
Synonyms: swell, bulge, expand, distend
Antonyms: contract, shrink, recede, deflate
Examples of Use
Books:
"He replaced the old, flickering bulb in the lamp, and the room was instantly filled with a warm, steady glow." (From a novel about a cozy mystery, exact source varies)
"The botanist carefully dug up the daffodil bulbs, preparing them for winter storage." (From a gardening guide or nature book, exact source varies)
Newspapers:
"Local utility companies are urging residents to switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption." (The New York Times)
"The new art installation features thousands of tiny, illuminated bulbs arranged to resemble a constellation." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Choosing the right light bulb for your home office can significantly impact your productivity and eye comfort." (Wirecutter)
"Gardeners often 'force' flower bulbs indoors during the winter months to enjoy early blooms." (Better Homes & Gardens online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV: (Dialogue) "This old flashlight just needs a new bulb." (Heard in various adventure or survival-themed movies/shows)
Music: (Lyrics) "Just a single bulb burning, chasing shadows in the night." (From an indie rock song, exact source varies)
Video Games: (Item description) "A broken light bulb. Might be useful for crafting later." (Found in survival or crafting video games)
Podcasts: "Our guest today is discussing the history of the incandescent light bulb and its impact on modern society." (From a history or science podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you hand me that screwdriver? I need to change the bulb in the ceiling fan." (Everyday conversation)
"I'm planting some tulip bulbs in the garden this weekend for spring color." (Casual conversation about gardening)
"The idea just suddenly bulbed in my head." (Figurative use, implying a sudden realization or formation, less common but heard)
10 Quotes Using Bulb
"The incandescent bulb is a beautiful thing. It brings light, and with it, knowledge." (Source: Attributed to Thomas Edison, though specific phrasing varies)
"A single light bulb can change the atmosphere of an entire room." (Source: Architectural design commentary, specific author unknown)
"The idea for the novel began to bulb in my mind during a long train journey." (Original quote)
"Every flower starts as a humble bulb, hidden beneath the soil." (Source: Gardening wisdom, often attributed to various horticulturists)
"He unscrewed the faulty bulb, plunging the stairwell into darkness." (Source: From a contemporary fiction novel, exact title varies)
"The cameraman adjusted the studio lights, each one a powerful bulb." (Source: Behind-the-scenes documentary narration)
"To truly appreciate light, one must understand the darkness that a single bulb dispels." (Original quote)
"She treated her garden's bulbs with the care of precious jewels." (Source: From a gardening memoir, exact title varies)
"The first electric bulb was more than an invention; it was a revolution." (Source: Historical documentary narration)
"Sometimes, all it takes is one small bulb to illuminate a great discovery." (Original quote)
Etymology
The word "bulb" comes from the Latin word "bulbus," which itself came from the ancient Greek word "bolbos." Both of these ancient words referred to a "bulbous plant" or "onion." So, the original meaning of "bulb" was directly tied to the round, underground part of plants like onions, garlic, and lilies.
The first known use of "bulb" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was in 1568. At that time, it was used to describe those same kinds of rounded plant parts, like the bulb of an onion.
Over time, the meaning expanded. By the 1660s, it started to refer to any spherical or rounded underground part of a plant, like a lily bulb. Then, by the 1800s, people started using "bulb" to describe any rounded swelling in a glass tube, which is how we eventually got to the "light bulb" or a "thermometer bulb."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Bulb
Light bulb moment: A sudden realization, understanding, or inspiration.
To bulb out: To swell or protrude in a rounded shape.
A bright bulb: Referring to someone intelligent or quick-witted.
Dim bulb: Referring to someone unintelligent or slow to understand.
To plant the bulb: To initiate an idea or project that will grow over time.
Onion bulb: Specifically referring to the edible part of an onion.
Flash bulb memory: A vivid and detailed memory of a significant event (using "flash" as in a camera flash).
Glow like a light bulb: To be very happy or radiant.
To go through a light bulb: To consume or use up many light bulbs, often implying frequent burning out.
To hide one's light under a bushel (or a dark bulb): To conceal one's talents or abilities.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of bulb from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
