GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

  1.       
    Balloon (), n. [F. ballon, aug. of balle ball: cf. It. ballone. See 1st Ball, n., and cf. Pallone.]
    1. A bag made of silk or other light material, and filled with hydrogen gas or heated air, so as to rise and float in the atmosphere; especially, one with a car attached for aërial navigation.

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    2. (Arch.) A ball or globe on the top of a pillar, church, etc., as at St. Paul's, in London. [R.]

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    3. (Chem.) A round vessel, usually with a short neck, to hold or receive whatever is distilled; a glass vessel of a spherical form.

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    4. (Pyrotechnics) A bomb or shell. [Obs.]

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    5. A game played with a large inflated ball. [Obs.]

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    6. (Engraving) The outline inclosing words represented as coming from the mouth of a pictured figure.

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    Air balloon, a balloon for aërial navigation. -- Balloon frame (Carp.), a house frame constructed altogether of small timber. -- Balloon net, a variety of woven lace in which the weft threads are twisted in a peculiar manner around the warp.

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  2.       
    Balloon, v. t. To take up in, or as if in, a balloon.

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  3.       
    Balloon, v. i.
    1. To go up or voyage in a balloon.

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    2. To expand, or puff out, like a balloon.

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