The inverted bell is a
metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide, or obscure, clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas. Metaphors are usually meant to cr ...
ical name for a
geometric shape
A shape is a graphical representation of an object's form or its external boundary, outline, or external surface. It is distinct from other object properties, such as color, texture, or material type.
In geometry, ''shape'' excludes informat ...
that resembles a
bell
A bell /ˈbɛl/ () is a directly struck idiophone percussion instrument. Most bells have the shape of a hollow cup that when struck vibrates in a single strong strike tone, with its sides forming an efficient resonator. The strike may be m ...
upside-down.
By context
In
architecture
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and construction, constructi ...
, the term is applied to describe the shape of the
capitals of
Corinthian column
A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member ...
s.
The inverted bell is used in shape classification in
pottery
Pottery is the process and the products of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other raw materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard and durable form. The place where such wares are made by a ''potter'' is al ...
,
["Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles: Identification & Value Guide" (2002), {{ISBN, 1-57432-277-X] often featured in
archaeology
Archaeology or archeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of Artifact (archaeology), artifacts, architecture, biofact (archaeology), biofacts or ecofacts, ...
as well as in modern times.
In statistics, a
bimodial distribution is sometimes called an
inverted bell curve.
Image:ZygmuntDzwon.JPG, A bell
File:Rin gong at Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto.JPG , Standing bell (''rin'')
Image:Llyn Celyn spillway1 w.JPG, Bell-mouth spillway
A spillway is a structure used to provide the controlled release of water downstream from a dam or levee, typically into the riverbed of the dammed river itself. In the United Kingdom, they may be known as overflow channels. Spillways ensure tha ...
at Llyn Celyn
Llyn Celyn () is a reservoir constructed between 1960 and 1965 including the highly controversial Tryweryn flooding in the valley of the River Afon Tryweryn, Tryweryn in Gwynedd, Wales. This included the forcible removal of the Capel Celyn vil ...
image:GBM - Glockenbecher 1.jpg, Inverted-bell beaker from Atting during the Beaker culture
The Bell Beaker culture, also known as the Bell Beaker complex or Bell Beaker phenomenon, is an archaeological culture named after the inverted-bell Beaker (archaeology), beaker drinking vessel used at the beginning of the European Bronze Age, ...
Image:Vorticella.JPG, Vorticella protozoa
Protozoa (: protozoan or protozoon; alternative plural: protozoans) are a polyphyletic group of single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, that feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic debris. Historically ...
Image:Bell-krater hare BM F547.jpg , Bell krater
Image:AshokaLions.jpg , Ashoka Bell ( lotus flower shaped 250 BCE)
References
Geometric shapes