Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vessel: meaning, definitions and examples

⛵
Add to dictionary

vessel

 

[ˈvɛsəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

container

A vessel is a hollow container that is used to hold liquids such as water, oil, or wine.

Synonyms

container, jar, pot, receptacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessel

A vessel is often used to describe a large ship or boat but can also refer to any hollow container that holds liquid, typically in a more formal or technical context.

  • The fishing vessel sailed out to sea.
  • The blood vessels transport blood throughout the body.
container

A general term for any object used to store or transport items. It can refer to boxes, bottles, cans, and more, making it versatile for various situations.

  • Please store the leftovers in a container.
  • She organized her office supplies in various containers.
receptacle

This is a more formal term, often used in contexts like biology or engineering, to describe any container designed to receive and hold contents.

  • The trash receptacle was overflowing.
  • The electrical receptacle was malfunctioning.
pot

A pot usually refers to a deep, round container used for cooking or planting. It can be made from various materials like metal, ceramic, or plastic.

  • She cooked the soup in a large pot.
  • The flowers were planted in a ceramic pot.
jar

Typically refers to a wide-mouthed, cylindrical container made of glass or pottery, often used for preserving food or storing small items.

  • She put the homemade jam in a jar.
  • The jar was filled with colorful candies.

Examples of usage

  • She poured the tea into the vessel.
  • The ship was a large metal vessel used for transportation across the ocean.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

In anatomy, a vessel is a tube or canal that carries blood or other bodily fluids.

Synonyms

canal, channel, duct, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessel

Commonly used to refer to ships or large boats, also in medical contexts to describe tubular structures carrying fluids in the body.

  • The cargo vessel docked at the harbor.
  • Blood vessels are essential for circulation.
tube

Commonly denotes cylindrical containers or conduits usually for fluids or small articles, also used in reference to television informally.

  • She bought a tube of toothpaste.
  • Lab technicians often use test tubes.
  • Let's see what's on the tube tonight.
canal

Mainly used to describe man-made waterways used for transportation or irrigation, as well as ducts in the body.

  • The Panama Canal is a crucial route for international shipping.
  • The ear canal needs to be kept clean.
duct

Frequently used to describe tubes or passages in buildings or the body, especially for conveying air, fluids, or cables.

  • The air conditioning duct needs cleaning.
  • A blocked bile duct can cause health issues.
channel

Refers to paths for communication or broadcasting, natural waterways, or passageways in general contexts.

  • The TV channel is airing a new show tonight.
  • The river formed a channel through the valley.
  • Communication channels in the company need to be improved.

Examples of usage

  • The blood vessels in the human body are responsible for transporting blood to various organs.
  • The doctor examined the patient's vessels to check for any blockages.
Context #3 | Noun

ship

A vessel can also refer to a ship or large boat used for transportation on water.

Synonyms

boat, craft, ship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessel

Use this term when referring to any kind of large container for holding liquids, or in a more formal or technical context when referring to a big or small boat or ship.

  • The blood vessels carry blood throughout the body.
  • The navy has deployed several vessels to monitor the area.
ship

Appropriate for large vessels used for transporting goods or passengers over seas and oceans. It carries a more formal tone and is used primarily in discussions about maritime activities.

  • The ship will dock at the harbor tomorrow.
  • He works as an engineer on a cargo ship.
boat

Ideal for everyday conversation when referring to a small watercraft. It can be used for recreational or small-scale fishing vessels.

  • We took a boat out on the lake last summer.
  • Do you know how to row a boat?
craft

Best suited for a technical or specialized context when referring to any vehicle designed for navigation in water, air, or space. It is a broader term that is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The astronauts boarded the spacecraft before liftoff.
  • The fishing craft was well-equipped for the journey.

Examples of usage

  • The cruise vessel was luxurious and spacious.
  • The fishing vessel returned with a large catch of fish.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vascellum', meaning 'small vessel', which shows how its meaning has remained linked to containment.
  • In Old French, the term 'vessel' referred to both ships and containers, illustrating its dual nature in transportation and storage.

Science

  • In biology, 'vessels' refer to tube-like structures in the body, such as blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.
  • Plant 'vessels' are specialized cells that help transport water and nutrients, playing a crucial role in plant health.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, vessels are used in rituals and ceremonies, such as chalices for drinking during religious rites.
  • Historical artifacts, like ancient pottery, are considered vessels that provide insights into past civilizations and their daily lives.

Literature

  • Vessels appear metaphorically in poetry, symbolizing the human body or soul that carries emotions and experiences.
  • Classic literature often uses vessels to represent journeys, both literal and spiritual, reflecting on how we carry our personal histories.

Art

  • Artistic vessels, such as beautifully decorated ceramics and glassworks, showcase the blend of utility and aesthetic beauty.
  • Many cultures have developed unique forms of vessels that are not only functional but also serve as cultural symbols.

Translations

Translations of the word "vessel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 navio

🇮🇳 जहाज

🇩🇪 Schiff

🇮🇩 kapal

🇺🇦 судно

🇵🇱 statek

🇯🇵 船

🇫🇷 navire

🇪🇸 buque

🇹🇷 gemi

🇰🇷 선박

🇸🇦 سفينة

🇨🇿 loď

🇸🇰 loď

🇨🇳 船

🇸🇮 ladja

🇮🇸 skip

🇰🇿 кемелер

🇬🇪 გემი

🇦🇿 gəmi

🇲🇽 buque

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,644, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.