ampulla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Scientific, Historical
Quick answer
What does “ampulla” mean?
A small rounded or flask-shaped container, typically one for holding liquids such as oil or perfume.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small rounded or flask-shaped container, typically one for holding liquids such as oil or perfume.
A dilated segment or sac-like swelling of a tube or duct in the body (e.g., in the inner ear or fallopian tubes). Also, historically, a Roman globular flask with two handles used for oil, wine, or perfumes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of scientific/historical specificity.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “ampulla” in a Sentence
the ampulla of [noun]an ampulla containing [noun][noun] located in the ampullaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in archaeology (Roman artefacts), anatomy, physiology, and medical literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in anatomy (e.g., hepatopancreatic ampulla), biology, and archaeology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ampulla”
- Incorrect plural: 'ampullas' (acceptable) vs. 'ampullae' (correct Latin plural, preferred in technical contexts). Mispronunciation: /æmˈpʌlə/ instead of /æmˈpʊlə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency term used almost exclusively in technical, scientific, or historical contexts.
An 'ampoule' is a small sealed glass capsule for storing a measured dose of a liquid, especially for injection. An 'ampulla' is broader: a general small flask (historical) or a specific anatomical dilation. In medicine, 'ampulla' often refers to body structures.
It is pronounced /æmˈpʊlə/ (am-PUHL-uh), with the stress on the second syllable and a 'short u' /ʊ/ sound.
The correct Latin plural is 'ampullae' (/æmˈpʊliː/), commonly used in academic writing. The Anglicised plural 'ampullas' is also accepted but less formal.
A small rounded or flask-shaped container, typically one for holding liquids such as oil or perfume.
Ampulla is usually formal, technical, scientific, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AMP' (amplifier makes things bigger) + 'ULLA' (sounds like 'uh-la', an exclamation for a discovery). An 'ampulla' is a discovered, swollen, bottle-like thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR LIQUID IS A BODY (anatomical), HISTORY IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (archaeological).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'ampulla of Lorenzini' used?