ampule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “ampule” mean?
A small, sealed glass container for holding a single dose of a liquid, especially medicine for injection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, sealed glass container for holding a single dose of a liquid, especially medicine for injection.
A hermetically sealed vial, typically made of glass, used to store and preserve a sterile solution, powder, or lyophilized substance, often found in medical, laboratory, and scientific contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English predominantly uses the spelling 'ampoule'. American English uses 'ampule' more frequently, though 'ampoule' is also accepted.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: sterile, medical, precise, fragile.
Frequency
More common in American English due to spelling preference. In both varieties, it is a low-frequency, domain-specific term.
Grammar
How to Use “ampule” in a Sentence
[verb] an ampule of [noun][adjective] ampuleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ampule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The nurse will ampoule the serum for distribution.
adjective
British English
- The ampoule packaging was clearly labeled.
American English
- The ampule glass shattered cleanly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, procurement, and supply chain documentation.
Academic
Common in medical, nursing, pharmacology, and chemistry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare; used primarily by healthcare professionals or patients administering specific injectable medications.
Technical
Standard term in medical, laboratory, and pharmaceutical protocols for sterile single-dose containers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ampule”
- Spelling: 'ampul', 'ampoule' (UK) vs 'ampule' (US).
- Confusing with a 'syringe' (the delivery device) or a 'vial' (which can be multi-dose).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An ampule is a single-dose, hermetically sealed glass container that must be broken open. A vial is typically a multi-dose container sealed with a rubber stopper, accessed by a needle.
Yes, though less common. Ampules can be used in chemistry labs for storing single-use samples of reagents or in perfumery for precious essential oils.
No. It is a technical term most familiar to healthcare professionals, pharmacists, scientists, and patients who use specific injectable medications.
Using a special ampule breaker or a sterile gauze pad to protect fingers, pressure is applied to the pre-scored neck to snap it cleanly.
A small, sealed glass container for holding a single dose of a liquid, especially medicine for injection.
Ampule is usually formal / technical in register.
Ampule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmpuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmpjuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AMPULE' as 'AMP' (ampere, a unit of measure) + 'RULE'. A single-dose ampule rules out measurement errors.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEALED BUBBLE OF POTENCY (containing concentrated, protected power within a fragile shell).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of an ampule?