beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

1

: a large drinking cup that has a wide mouth and is sometimes supported on a standard

2

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories

Examples of beaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even today with the popularity of the devilishly handsome Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer, a scientist peering into a beaker isn’t something Rolex would plaster up on a billboard. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2024

Even the family cat slept curled, tightly but voluntarily, inside a beaker in the lab, and Naomi’s dollhouse was decorated in part by famous scientists—including Nobel Prize–winning physicist Niels Bohr, who brought Naomi a little toy jug for her miniature estate. —Rachel Lance, WIRED, 16 Apr. 2024

In 2008, for example, archaeologists found a Roman-Era ceramic beaker in Voorburg that had been filled with dirt over time. —Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

While the chemistry experiment with Ryan Johansen shattered beakers, Nichushkin is respected because of his dedication. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English biker, borrowed from Old Norse bikarr, probably borrowed from a continental Germanic form akin to Old Saxon bikeri, borrowed from early Medieval Latin bicarium, variant of bacarium — more at basin

Note: As noted by the Middle English Dictionary, the modern English form probably reflects influence of Middle Dutch beker.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep cup or glass with a wide mouth and usually a lip for pouring

Medical Definition

beaker

noun

bea·​ker ˈbē-kər 

: a deep widemouthed thin-walled vessel usually with a lip for pouring that is used especially in science laboratories