Etymology:
Blow comes from the Middle English word "blowe," meaning "to swell or puff out."
Pipe comes from the Old English word "pīpe," meaning "a tube."
Meaning:
A blowpipe is a tapered tube used to direct a stream of air. It is typically made of metal or plastic.
Origin:
The first known blowpipe was used in the 17th century by the Inca of South America. They used it to melt gold and silver for jewelry and ornaments. In the 19th century, the blowpipe was adopted by chemists and other scientists for use in flame tests and other laboratory procedures.
Today, blowpipes have a variety of uses, including:
