Bulb Meaning
Bulb Definition & Usage
A rounded, typically transparent object that contains a filament or other mechanism to produce light when electricity passes through it. Commonly used in lighting fixtures.
Examples
- "She changed the bulb in the kitchen after it burned out."
- "The old light bulbs are being replaced with energy-efficient LEDs."
- "The light bulb flickered before going out completely."
- "I need to buy some new bulbs for the garden lamps."
- "You should always turn off the light before changing the bulb to avoid burns."
A bulbous underground organ of a plant that serves as a storage organ and from which a shoot arises to produce new growth. Often refers to flowering plants like tulips, daffodils, or onions.
Examples
- "She planted the tulip bulbs in the fall to ensure they would bloom in spring."
- "After the onions were harvested, she stored the bulbs in a cool, dry place."
- "The gardener recommended planting bulbs deeper in the soil for better root development."
- "Daffodils grow from bulbs and return every year without needing to be replanted."
- "He carefully dug up the lily bulbs to store them for the winter."
A term used to describe a rounded shape or object, sometimes applied to the head, particularly in a playful or affectionate manner.
Examples
- "He's got a bulb for a head, but he's one of the smartest people I know."
- "That small bulb of a tree is just starting to sprout leaves."
- "The kids loved the big bulb of a snowman they built in the yard."
- "I tried on a new hat, but it was too tight around my bulb of a head."
- "The tree’s bulb-like appearance made it look more like a giant mushroom than a tree."
Cultural Context
The light bulb, invented in the late 19th century by Thomas Edison, transformed the way humans live by providing a reliable and safe source of artificial light. Bulbs are now a central part of households, workplaces, and public spaces. In botany, bulbs are also crucial structures in plant propagation, especially for ornamental flowers and edible plants like onions and garlic.
The Bulb of Spring
Story
The Bulb of Spring
In the quiet town of Willowbrook, there was an old garden known for its vibrant tulips and daffodils, which bloomed each spring. Every year, Mrs. Thompson, the local gardener, would spend hours planting bulbs, ensuring the flowers would thrive when the warmth of spring arrived. One cold autumn afternoon, while carefully tucking the last daffodil bulb into the soil, she noticed a young boy watching her. His name was Timmy, and he had recently moved to the town with his parents. Intrigued by her work, Timmy approached. 'What are you doing?' he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. 'I'm planting bulbs,' Mrs. Thompson replied with a smile. 'These little bulbs will grow into beautiful flowers in the spring.' Timmy bent down, examining the small bulb in her hand. 'Why are they so small?' he asked. 'Well, they might look tiny now,' she explained, 'but they hold all the nutrients the plant needs to grow. It's like a secret storage for a plant's future.' Later that year, as the first blooms began to push through the earth, Timmy returned to the garden. He marveled at the bright yellow daffodils, which seemed to appear overnight. Mrs. Thompson saw him from a distance and waved, proud of her work. 'See, the bulbs have come to life,' she said. Timmy smiled, remembering how something so small could transform into something so beautiful. The garden became his favorite place, and every spring, he would return to see the flowers bloom, a reminder of the magic that bulbs contained. One day, as he helped Mrs. Thompson plant new bulbs, Timmy said, 'I think I understand now. These bulbs are like little promises of what's to come.' Mrs. Thompson chuckled. 'Exactly, Timmy. Exactly.'
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