Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Bubble?

\Bub"ble\, n. [Cf. D. bobbel, Dan. boble, Sw. bubbla. Cf. {Blob}, n.] 1. A thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas; as, a soap bubble; bubbles on the surface of a river. Beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow, Like bubbles in a late disturbed stream. --Shak. 2. A small quantity of air or gas within a liquid body; as, bubbles rising in champagne or a["e]rated waters. 3. A globule of air, or globular vacuum, in a transparent solid; as, bubbles in window glass, or in a lens. 4. A small, hollow, floating bead or globe, formerly used for testing the strength of spirits. 5. The globule of air in the spirit tube of a level. 6. Anything that wants firmness or solidity; that which is more specious than real; a false show; a cheat or fraud; a delusive scheme; an empty project; a dishonest speculation; as, the South Sea bubble. Then a soldier . . . Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. --Shak. 7. A person deceived by an empty project; a gull. [Obs.] ``Ganny's a cheat, and I'm a bubble.'' --Prior.
\Bub"ble\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Bubbled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Bubbling}.] [Cf. D. bobbelen, Dan. boble. See {Bubble}, n.] 1. To rise in bubbles, as liquids when boiling or agitated; to contain bubbles. The milk that bubbled in the pail. --Tennyson. 2. To run with a gurgling noise, as if forming bubbles; as, a bubbling stream. --Pope. 3. To sing with a gurgling or warbling sound. At mine ear Bubbled the nightingale and heeded not. --Tennyson.