blowpipe

[ bloh-pahyp ]

noun

1. a tube through which a stream of air or gas is forced into a flame to concentrate and increase its heating action.
2. Also called blow-iron, Glass Blowing. a long metal pipe used to gather and blow the molten glass in making hollowware.
3. blowgun.
4. Medicine/Medical. an instrument used to observe or clean a cavity.

blowpipe

/ ˈbləʊˌpaɪp /

noun

1. a long tube from which pellets, poisoned darts, etc, are shot by blowing US wordblowgun
2. Also calledblow tube a tube for blowing air or oxygen into a flame to intensify its heat and direct it onto a small area
3. a long narrow iron pipe used to gather molten glass and blow it into shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of blowpipe¹

First recorded in 1675–85; blow ² + pipe ¹

Example Sentences

Gabe Feenan plugs the blowpipe with his thumb, trapping air in the vessel so it doesn’t collapse.

From Popular-Science

Sometimes two or three share a blowpipe in the glassmaking process, so they tried using a rubber tip, removing it before passing it to the next person.

From Washington Post

A very neat repair can be made with an alcohol lamp and a blowpipe by using a little silver solder.

From Project Gutenberg

Then taking a poisoned arrow from his quiver, he puts it in the blowpipe, and collects his breath for the fatal puff.

From Project Gutenberg

Here let the blowpipe remain suspended, while you take a view of the arms which are made to slay the larger beasts of the forest.

From Project Gutenberg

He wasn't winded, ye see, for his blowpipe was intact, and his gear below-decks sound and ship-shape.

From Project Gutenberg

All the work described in this book can quite well be done with a simple foot bellows and a quick-change blowpipe.

From Project Gutenberg