blowpipe

Meanings

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images