Ampoule

/ˈæmpuːl/ noun

Definition

A small sealed glass capsule containing a liquid medicine or substance, especially for injection; also spelled ampule or ampul.

Etymology

From French ampoule, from Latin ampulla (a small swollen flask or bottle). The word traveled through French to English, keeping the diminutive sense of 'small bottle.'

Kelly Says

Every time you see a sealed glass vial of medicine, you're holding something that Romans would recognize—they used ampulla for the same purpose, and the word hasn't changed its function in 2000 years!

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