Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BULB, n. [Gr. βολβος; L. bulbus, a bulb or round root; Fr. bulbe; It. bulbo; Sp. bulbo, an onion, or bulbous root; W. bal, bol, protuberance.]

A scaly body formed on a plant above or beneath the surface of the ground, emitting roots from its base, and producing a stem from its center. It is always formed of imbricated scales. A solid bulb has no existence. – Lindley.