Collins English-English Dictionary

bell [bεl]

1. 1. n a hollow, usually metal, cup-shaped instrument that emits a musical ringing sound when struck, often by a clapper hanging inside it

2. 2. n the sound made by such an instrument or device, as for showing the hours or marking the beginning or end of a period of time

3. 3. n an electrical device that rings or buzzes as a signal

4. 4. n the bowl-shaped termination of the tube of certain musical wind instruments, such as the trumpet or oboe

5. 5. n any musical percussion instrument emitting a ringing tone, such as a glockenspiel, one of a set of hand bells, etc - Compare chime

6. 6. n [nautical] a signal rung on a ship's bell to count the number of half-hour intervals during each of six four-hour watches reckoned from midnight. Thus, one bell may signify 12.30, 4.30, or 8.30 a.m. or p.m

7. 7. n See diving bell

8. 8. n [biology] a structure resembling a bell in shape, such as the corolla of certain flowers or the body of a jellyfish

9. 9. n [Brit] [slang] a telephone call (esp in the phrase give someone a bell)

10. 10. vb to be or cause to be shaped like a bell

11. 11. vt. [tr] to attach a bell or bells to

12. 12. vt. [Etymology] Old English belle; related to Old Norse bjalla, Middle Low German bell; see bell²

bell [bεl]

1. 1. n a bellowing or baying cry, esp that of a hound or a male deer in rut

2. 2. vb to utter (such a cry)

3. 3. vb [Etymology] Old English bellan; related to Old Norse belja to bellow, Old High German bellan to roar, Sanskrit bhasate he talks; see bellow