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Laboratory: meaning, definitions and examples

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laboratory

 

[ˈlæbərəˌtɔːri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

science

A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.

Synonyms

lab, research center, testing facility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
laboratory

A formal and technical setting where experiments and scientific research are conducted, often associated with educational institutions or large research organizations.

  • She spent countless hours in the laboratory working on her thesis
  • The laboratory's new equipment will greatly enhance our research capabilities
lab

A casual, shorter form of 'laboratory' often used in informal conversation or writing. It is commonly used among students, professionals in the field, and in less formal contexts.

  • I'm heading to the lab to finish my experiment
  • The lab was bustling with activity as students performed their tests
research center

A facility dedicated to conducting scientific research, often encompassing multiple laboratories and possibly including conference rooms, libraries, and offices for researchers.

  • The new research center aims to pioneer advancements in renewable energy
  • She works at a research center that specializes in genetic studies
testing facility

A specific type of laboratory where tests and evaluations are conducted, often for quality control, safety assessments, or product certifications. It may be linked to industrial or commercial fields.

  • The testing facility is responsible for ensuring that all products meet safety standards
  • Before it can be sold, the product must pass rigorous evaluations at the testing facility

Examples of usage

  • The laboratory was filled with test tubes and beakers.
  • She works in a laboratory conducting experiments on new medications.
  • The laboratory equipment was state-of-the-art and allowed for precise measurements.
  • The scientist spent hours in the laboratory analyzing the data from the experiments.
  • The laboratory was off-limits to unauthorized personnel.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'laboratorium', which means 'a place for work'.
  • It reflects the roots of 'labor', emphasizing a space designed for diligent exploration and problem-solving.

Historical Origins

  • The first modern laboratory was created in the late 1500s and focused on alchemy, the precursor to chemistry.
  • In the 19th century, laboratories began to specialize, leading to fields like biology and chemistry emerging as distinct sciences.

Pop Culture

  • Laboratories are often featured in movies and TV shows, like 'Breaking Bad', where a chemistry teacher turns to making drugs.
  • Video games like 'Portal' showcase fictional laboratories and puzzles centered on scientific experiments.

Science

  • Modern laboratories are equipped with advanced technology like spectrometers and centrifuges to analyze substances.
  • Biological laboratories often contain biocontainment facilities to handle dangerous pathogens safely.

Education

  • In schools, science labs allow students to learn hands-on by conducting experiments and learning concepts through exploration.
  • Many universities have dedicated research laboratories, where graduate students and professors investigate cutting-edge science.

Translations

Translations of the word "laboratory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 laboratório

🇮🇳 प्रयोगशाला

🇩🇪 Labor

🇮🇩 laboratorium

🇺🇦 лабораторія

🇵🇱 laboratorium

🇯🇵 実験室

🇫🇷 laboratoire

🇪🇸 laboratorio

🇹🇷 laboratuvar

🇰🇷 실험실

🇸🇦 مختبر

🇨🇿 laboratoř

🇸🇰 laboratórium

🇨🇳 实验室

🇸🇮 laboratorij

🇮🇸 rannsóknastofa

🇰🇿 зертхана

🇬🇪 ლაბორატორია

🇦🇿 laboratoriya

🇲🇽 laboratorio

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,936, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.