Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weapon for shooting projectiles: A simple tube through which a dart or other small projectile can be propelled by the force of a person's breath.
   • A tool for directing a stream of air: A tube used to direct a stream of air or gas into a flame, typically to concentrate heat for purposes such as glassblowing, metalworking, or chemical analysis.

Usage Examples

• As a weapon/tool for projectiles:
  • The hunter used a blowpipe to silently shoot a dart tipped with poison at the monkey.
  • Traditional blowpipes are often made from bamboo or reed.
• As a tool for directing air:
  • The glassblower carefully used the blowpipe to shape the molten glass.
  • In the laboratory, a blowpipe is sometimes used in flame tests to analyze minerals.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Anthropological Context: The blowpipe as a weapon has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in various regions, including Southeast Asia and South America, for hunting and warfare.
• Scientific Context: In analytical chemistry, a blowpipe test was a traditional method for identifying metals based on the color of the flame produced when a sample was heated in a blowpipe flame.

Variants and Related Words

• Blowgun: (noun) A synonym for a blowpipe used as a weapon to shoot darts. This is a more common term in some contexts.
  • He is skilled with a blowgun and can hit a target from 20 meters away.
• Blowtube: (noun) Another term for a blowpipe, especially in the context of directing air.

Synonyms

• For the weapon: Blowgun, Sarbacane (from French).
• For the tool: Blow tube, Air tube.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Blowpipe analysis: (noun phrase) A historical chemical analysis technique using a blowpipe and flame.
• Blowpipe dart: (noun phrase) A small, lightweight projectile designed to be shot from a blowpipe.

Noun

1. a tube through which darts can be shot by blowing
2. a tube that directs air or gas into a flame to concentrate heat