bell

Everyday

1. A bell is a hollow metal thing, often shaped like a cup, that rings when you hit it or shake it. tree →
2. A bell is also anything that makes a ringing sound to give a signal, like a doorbell, a bike bell or the school bell. tree →
3. The ringing of a bell is also called a bell: wait for the bell. tree →
4. A bell can also be a flower shaped like a bell, such as a bluebell. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: rings counted, or the time when a bell rings (the school bell); times between rings make a rate or a pattern; bells counted. In school: the bell rings at the start and end of lessons; a fire alarm bell. In science: a bell vibrates to make sound. Phrases: ring a bell (seem familiar), the school bell, doorbell, bike bell, saved by the bell, church bells.

Examples

• The bell rings every 45 minutes. tree →
• A clock bell rings 3 times at 3 o'clock. tree →
• There are 6 bells in the tower. tree →
• The bell rang at 8:30 and again 50 minutes later. tree →
• When the bell rings, line up at the door. tree →
• Ring your bike bell to warn walkers. tree →
• Someone rang the doorbell. tree →
• The name rings a bell, but I cannot remember her. tree →
• The church bells rang for the wedding. tree →
• "Cling, clang," tolled the hyacinth bells. tree →

Note

Homophone: «belle» (a pretty girl) sounds the same. A time marker or a thing counted; times between rings make a rate. Trap: count the first ring too.

In Jewish tradition

The small golden bells sewed on the hem of the High Priest's robe.

Interpretation. Tradition says the bells let the sound of the High Priest be heard as he entered the holy place, so he would not enter suddenly. Some also say they atone for the sin of gossip.

Examples

• a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about. (Torah EXO.28.34, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the skirts of the robe round about, between the pomegranates: (Torah EXO.39.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about, to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses. (Torah EXO.39.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses: HOLY UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the basins before the altar. (Prophets ZEC.14.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Homophone: «belle» (a pretty girl) sounds the same. A time marker or a thing counted; times between rings make a rate. Trap: count the first ring too.