Tear-jerking bulb (5)
I believe the answer is:
onion
'tear-jerking bulb' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for onion that I've seen before include "Head (slang); vegetable" , "Hot dog topping" , "One may be set" , "Strong tasting vegetable" , "Pungent edible bulb of the lily family" .)