Vessel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vessel
[ˈvɛsəl ]
Definitions
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| jar |
Typically refers to a wide-mouthed, cylindrical container made of glass or pottery, often used for preserving food or storing small items.
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Examples of usage
- She poured the tea into the vessel.
- The ship was a large metal vessel used for transportation across the ocean.
anatomy
In anatomy, a vessel is a tube or canal that carries blood or other bodily fluids.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| tube |
Commonly denotes cylindrical containers or conduits usually for fluids or small articles, also used in reference to television informally.
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| canal |
Mainly used to describe man-made waterways used for transportation or irrigation, as well as ducts in the body.
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| duct |
Frequently used to describe tubes or passages in buildings or the body, especially for conveying air, fluids, or cables.
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| channel |
Refers to paths for communication or broadcasting, natural waterways, or passageways in general contexts.
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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.
ship
A vessel can also refer to a ship or large boat used for transportation on water.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| boat |
Ideal for everyday conversation when referring to a small watercraft. It can be used for recreational or small-scale fishing vessels.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The cruise vessel was luxurious and spacious.
- The fishing vessel returned with a large catch of fish.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'vessel'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'vessel' originated from the Latin word 'vasellum', which means a small container or utensil. Over time, the term evolved to refer to various types of containers, ships, and anatomical tubes. The concept of vessels has been essential in human history for transportation, storage, and medical purposes.