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Laboratory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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laboratory

[หˆlรฆbษ™rษ™หŒtษ”หri ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'laboratory'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'laboratory' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'laboratorium', which means 'a place for labor or work'. Laboratories have been essential in the fields of science, medicine, research, and manufacturing for centuries, providing controlled environments for experiments and analysis.

See also: labor, laborer, laborers, laboring, laboriously.

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.