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 aerated 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.
© Webster 1913.
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 gurdling 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.
© Webster 1913.