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Bulb

a modified underground stem which has one or more buds enclosed in fleshy modified leaves or scales which supply energy to the bud when they start to grow, onions and tulips have bulbs. Lower or hindmost part of the brain; continuous with spinal cord; (`bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata); the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning.