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

As a boy he was fascinated by his grandmother's stories of the family's history - adventures involving swords, blowpipes and far-off lands.

From BBC

One, the blowpipe hypothesis, maintains that bony parts of the fish’s mouth clap together into a tube shape through which the water spurts out like peas through a straw.

From Science Magazine

The Korubo tribe was said to be proudly traditional, hunting with blowpipes and wooden clubs and living their lives largely in the nude.

From Fox News

The Korubo are a proud and warlike tribe who hunt with blowpipes and long wooden clubs.

From The Guardian

Molten glass slowly ballooning from the tip of a blowpipe.

From New York Times