Belled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'bell' comes from the Old English 'belle' which relates to the sound it makes.
• In many cultures, bells have been used for signaling, celebrations, and keeping track of time.
• The 'belling' process in music refers to the resonance created by bell-shaped instruments like cymbals or gongs.

Cultural Significance

• In many traditions, bells are rung during weddings and significant events, symbolizing joy and celebration.
• Bells have played an important role in religious practices, often calling people to worship or marking important moments.
• In some cultures, a 'belled' collar on animals is believed to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.

Science

• The sound produced by bells is a fundamental study in acoustics, with various shapes affecting sound quality and pitch.
• Large bells like those in churches create a phenomenon called resonance, which can be felt as well as heard.
• Research has shown that the frequency of the sound waves from a bell can influence how we perceive its tone and volume.

Literature

• Bells often appear as symbols in poetry, representing everything from joy to warning.
• In classic literature, characters or narratives might be described in relation to bell sounds to evoke emotions or themes.
• Famous literary works, such as Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Bells', explore the varying meanings bells hold through their sounds.

Art

• Bell shapes have inspired numerous designs in architecture, often symbolizing harmony and balance.
• In visual arts, bell imagery is used to convey messages of hope or alertness, often depicted in paintings and sculptures.
• Bells appear prominently in modern art installations, reflecting their cultural and historical significance.

Ranking #37,256, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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