Vial

/ˈvaɪ.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small container, typically cylindrical and made of glass, used for holding liquid substances, often in a laboratory or for storing pharmaceuticals.

The chemist carefully collected the sample in a sterile vial.

A small bottle, especially one used for holding medicines or other liquids.

She carried a vial of perfume in her purse.

A narrow, typically airtight container used for substances that require protection from air or moisture.

The researchers stored the delicate reagent in a sealed vial to prevent contamination.

Middle English, from Old French 'viale', from Latin 'viala', a diminutive of 'via' meaning 'way'.

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.

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.

A small amount of a substance, often used in reference to drugs.

He's only got a vial of the good stuff left.

Container for illicit drugs.

She carried a vial of liquid courage to the party.