from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bulb \Bulb\ (b[u^]lb), n. [L. bulbus, Gr. bolbo`s: cf. F.
bulbe.]
1. (Bot.) A spheroidal body growing from a plant either above
or below the ground (usually below), which is strictly a
bud, consisting of a cluster of partially developed
leaves, and producing, as it grows, a stem above, and
roots below, as in the onion, tulip, etc. It differs from
a corm in not being solid.
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2. (Anat.) A name given to some parts that resemble in shape
certain bulbous roots; as, the bulb of the aorta.
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{Bulb of the eye}, the eyeball.
{Bulb of a hair}, the "root," or part whence the hair
originates.
{Bulb of the spinal cord}, the medulla oblongata, often
called simply bulb.
{Bulb of a tooth}, the vascular and nervous papilla contained
in the cavity of the tooth.
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3. An expansion or protuberance on a stem or tube, as the
bulb of a thermometer, which may be of any form, as
spherical, cylindrical, curved, etc. --Tomlinson.
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3. a {light bulb}.
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