Meanings
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1
noun
a narrow tube used to direct air or gas into a flame, concentrating its heat for chemical tests, metalwork, or mineral analysis
The geologist heated the powdered mineral before the blowpipe to test its composition.
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2
noun
a long tube through which darts or pellets are propelled by the breath
The hunter carried a blowpipe and a case of light darts.
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3
noun
a long metal tube used to gather and blow molten glass into shape
The glassworker rotated the blowpipe while shaping the glowing vessel.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A compound of blow + pipe, recorded in the late seventeenth century. The name first covered tubes that focused a stream of breath or air and was later applied to the glassworker's pipe and the breath-powered dart weapon.