Definition

Noun: A bell-shaped glass cover. Its primary functions are to protect and display delicate objects, to cover scientific apparatus in experiments, or to contain gases.

Usage

A bell glass is a clear, dome-shaped container. It is used to create a sealed or protected environment. * In a museum, a bell glass might cover a rare clock. * In a laboratory, a bell glass can be placed over equipment during a chemical reaction. * A plant under a bell glass is protected from dust and pests.

Examples

• The antique doll was preserved under a large bell glass.
• The scientist placed the burning candle inside a bell glass to observe the consumption of oxygen.
• For the exhibition, each fragile fossil had its own bell glass.

Advanced Usage

• In Horticulture: A bell glass (or cloche) is used to protect young plants from frost and to create a mini-greenhouse effect, warming the soil and air around the plant.
• In Historical Contexts: Before modern display cases, bell glasses were a common method for protecting and showcasing collectibles like taxidermy, scientific specimens, or prized ornaments in "cabinets of curiosity."

Variants and Related Words

• Cloche: A term often used interchangeably with bell glass, especially in gardening and culinary contexts (e.g., a cloche for a cake or a plant).
• Glass dome: A similar protective cover, though often with a less pronounced bell shape and sometimes permanently sealed to a base.
• Bell jar: A very close synonym. In many contexts, especially scientific, "bell jar" is the more common term.

Synonyms

• Bell jar
• Cloche
• Glass dome
• Cover

Related Phrases

• Under glass: A phrase describing items that are displayed or protected by a glass cover, such as a bell glass.
  • The museum's most valuable coins are kept under glass.

Noun

1. a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect and display delicate objects or to cover scientific apparatus or to contain gases