vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The claim: New $40,000 twice yearly shot is 'AIDS cure' A Dec. 2 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a syringe extracting fluid from a vial and claims a cure has been developed for a harmful disease. —Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Hundreds of vials containing live viruses have gone missing from a laboratory in Australia, sparking an investigation. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Santa Clara county hospitals have illegally dumped tons of biohazardous waste, including prescription drugs, human tissue and vials containing blood, county prosecutors said. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

These memories are stored as smells in vials and can be reclaimed for up to thirty days. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial