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Bulb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bulb

[bÊŒlb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lighting

A bulb is a rounded object that produces light when connected to an electrical supply. It typically consists of a glass or transparent plastic casing surrounding a tungsten filament which emits light when heated by an electric current.

Synonyms

incandescent bulb, lamp, light bulb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bulb

Used when referring to the general shape or type of light-producing object, in both everyday and technical context.

  • Change the bulb in the living room lamp.
  • The tulip bulb needs to be planted in the fall.
light bulb

A common term used in everyday language to refer to any electric bulb that produces light. It is suitable for casual and general context.

  • The light bulb in the bathroom needs to be replaced.
  • I bought a pack of light bulbs at the store.
lamp

Used when referring to the device that houses a light bulb and illuminates a specific area. Can be used in everyday conversation or more formal contexts.

  • Turn on the lamp next to the sofa.
  • I bought a new desk lamp for studying.
incandescent bulb

Used specifically to refer to a type of bulb that produces light by heating a filament wire until it glows. Often used in technical or more specific contexts.

  • Replace the incandescent bulb with an energy-saving LED.
  • Incandescent bulbs are becoming less popular due to their energy inefficiency.

Examples of usage

  • The bulb in the lamp needs to be replaced.
  • She unscrewed the bulb and put in a new one.
Context #2 | Noun

botany

In botany, a bulb is a short stem with fleshy leaves or leaf bases that function as food storage organs during dormancy.

Synonyms

bulbous plant, corm, tuber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bulb

Used to describe rounded underground storage parts of plants that store nutrients. Often mentioned when discussing gardening or plant biology.

  • I planted the tulip bulbs in the garden last fall.
  • Keep the bulbs in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them.
bulbous plant

A phrase referring specifically to plants that grow from bulbs. Typically used in horticulture or botany discussions.

  • Daffodils are a type of bulbous plant that thrive in spring.
  • The nursery specializes in a variety of bulbous plants, including lilies and crocuses.
corm

Refers to a type of underground plant stem that stores nutrients, similar to a bulb but structurally different. Used in botanical and horticultural contexts.

  • The gladiolus grows from a corm and needs to be planted in well-drained soil.
  • After flowering, the corm can be dug up and stored for the next planting season.
tuber

Describes an underground plant structure that stores nutrients, typically starchy. Commonly used when talking about edible plants or tuberous crops.

  • Potatoes are one of the most well-known tubers consumed worldwide.
  • To grow sweet potatoes, plant the tubers in rich, loose soil.

Examples of usage

  • Tulips grow from bulbs.
  • Daffodils are known for their bulbous roots.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Incandescent bulbs create light by heating a metal filament until it glows, using about 90% of energy as heat.
  • Compact fluorescent bulbs use a gas-filled tube and are much more efficient, producing less heat and using about 75% less energy.

Technology

  • LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are a new technology that lasts longer and uses less energy than traditional bulbs.
  • Smart bulbs can connect to the internet, allowing you to control them from your phone or through voice commands.

Art

  • Light bulbs have been used in artistic installations to create dynamic lighting effects, on displays or in galleries.
  • The phrase 'a lightbulb moment' is often used to describe a moment of inspiration or creativity, reflecting a new idea's brightness.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, lightbulbs often symbolize sudden ideas or moments of realization, illustrating creativity.
  • Famous comic strips often depict characters with light bulbs appearing above their heads to signal bright ideas or clever thoughts.

Origin of 'bulb'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bulb' comes from the Latin 'bulbus', meaning 'onion' or 'bulbous root', reflecting its shape.
  • In the early 19th century, 'bulb' began to refer specifically to electric lamps, sparking new meanings.

The word 'bulb' originated from the Latin word 'bulbus', which means a bulbous root. Over time, it evolved to refer to various rounded objects, including the light bulb. The concept of using a filament to produce light in a bulb was developed by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century, leading to the widespread use of electric bulbs for lighting.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,735 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.