Ampoule Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ampoule

[ˈæmpuːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A small sealed glass capsule containing a liquid, especially a measured quantity ready for injecting.

Synonyms

glass container, phial, vial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ampoule

Primarily used in medical and scientific contexts, usually to refer to a small sealed vial that contains a sample, typically a liquid like a pharmaceutical solution for injection.

  • The nurse broke the ampoule to extract the medicine.
  • Scientists store certain samples in ampoules to maintain sterility.
vial

Commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts, typically referring to a small glass or plastic container that holds medication, samples, or other substances.

  • The doctor drew the vaccine from the vial.
  • He collected a small vial of sand from each beach he visited.
phial

An old-fashioned or literary term, often used to evoke a sense of antiquity or special significance, especially in contexts like alchemy or potion-making.

  • The wizard carefully poured the liquid into a phial.
  • Ancient apothecaries used phials to store their potions.
glass container

Broad term that can be used in everyday contexts to refer to any type of container made of glass, including jars, bottles, and specialized containers.

  • She put the jam in a glass container to keep it fresh.
  • Glass containers are often used for storing laboratory chemicals.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse carefully broke the top of the ampoule to prepare the injection.
  • The doctor drew the medication from the ampoule before administering it to the patient.
Context #2 | Noun

beauty

A small sealed glass container, often used for storing serums or essential oils.

Synonyms

glass container, phial, vial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ampoule

Used in medical environments to describe a small sealed vial that contains a liquid, often used for injections or laboratory tests.

  • The nurse carefully broke the ampoule to prepare the injection

Examples of usage

  • She applied the serum using an ampoule for precise dosage.
  • The ampoule contained a powerful anti-aging formula.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Ampoules are often used to store vaccines and injectable medications to keep them sterile and safe from contamination.
  • The design of an ampoule allows for the preservation of substances by sealing them from air and light, which helps maintain their effectiveness.
  • When a scientist needs to open an ampoule, they must break the neck, as these containers are designed for single use only.

Art & Culture

  • Ampoules are sometimes featured in art, symbolizing purity and preservation, often used in still-life paintings to emphasize delicate beauty.
  • In literature, an ampoule can symbolize secrecy or the concealment of something valuable, used as a device to create intrigue.
  • Modern art has used ampoules in installations to comment on themes of fragility and the preservation of memories.

Health & Safety

  • Proper handling of ampoules is crucial as breaking them can pose a risk of injury from sharp glass shards.
  • Health regulations often dictate the use of ampoules for medication to ensure sterile environments, emphasizing their importance in healthcare.
  • Education and training in pharmaceutical handling include understanding how to safely open and dispose of ampoules.

Pop Culture

  • In classic spy movies, ampoules are sometimes depicted as containers for poison, adding a dramatic element to storylines.
  • Some contemporary fashion trends have embraced ampoule packaging as a form of aesthetic design, emphasizing minimalism and elegance.
  • Ampoules have made appearances in various video games as collectible items or resources, often carrying a mystical or powerful connotation.

Origin of 'ampoule'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ampoule' comes from the French word 'ampoule', which means 'small vial' and traces back to the Latin 'ampulla', meaning a small flask.
  • In ancient practices, these small glass containers were used to preserve precious liquids, showing their long history in storage and protection.
  • The evolution of the ampoule reflects advances in science and technology, particularly in medicine.

The word 'ampoule' originated from the French word 'ampoule', which in turn came from the Latin 'ampulla' meaning 'flask'. Ampoules have been used in medicine for centuries to store and administer liquids in a sterile manner. In modern times, ampoules are also popular in the beauty industry for precise dosing of skincare products.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,051 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.