Meaning & Definition of word "Vial"
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Vial
/ˈvaɪ.əl/
noun:
- 1. A small container, typically cylindrical and made of glass, used for holding liquid substances, often in a laboratory or for storing pharmaceuticals.
- Example: The chemist carefully collected the sample in a sterile vial.
- 2. A small bottle, especially one used for holding medicines or other liquids.
- Example: She carried a vial of perfume in her purse.
- 3. A narrow, typically airtight container used for substances that require protection from air or moisture.
- Example: The researchers stored the delicate reagent in a sealed vial to prevent contamination.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'viale', from Latin 'viala', a diminutive of 'via' meaning 'way'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
vial of tears:
a metaphorical reference to a person’s sadness, as if their tears could be collected in a vial.
sealed vial:
a vial that is closed securely, often used to ensure contamination does not occur.
vial of poison:
a vial containing a harmful substance, often used in literature or contexts involving danger.
Related Words
ampoule:
A small sealed vial which is used to contain a sample, usually a solid or liquid.
phial:
An alternative spelling for vial, typically used in British English.
bottle:
A rigid container with a neck that can be sealed, used to hold liquids.
Slang Meanings of vial
Meaning: A small amount of a substance, often used in reference to drugs.
Example Sentence: He's only got a vial of the good stuff left.
Meaning: Container for illicit drugs.
Example Sentence: She carried a vial of liquid courage to the party.