dewar vessel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dewar vessel” mean?
A double-walled flask with a vacuum between the walls, used to store liquefied gases or maintain substances at very low temperatures, typically made of glass or metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A double-walled flask with a vacuum between the walls, used to store liquefied gases or maintain substances at very low temperatures, typically made of glass or metal.
A specialized insulated container used in scientific, medical, or industrial settings for the storage and transport of cryogenic liquids (e.g., liquid nitrogen), biological samples, or other materials requiring strict temperature control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. The term is used identically in both scientific communities. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Highly technical and precise; implies a laboratory, medical, or industrial setting. No colloquial or figurative use.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but standard within relevant scientific and engineering fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dewar vessel” in a Sentence
store [something] in a dewar vesseltransfer [liquid nitrogen] from the dewar vesselthe dewar vessel contains [liquid helium]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement, logistics, or safety documentation for companies handling scientific or medical supplies.
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering papers and lab protocols for describing equipment.
Everyday
Virtually never used; a regular 'thermos' or 'vacuum flask' would be the everyday equivalent for hot drinks.
Technical
The primary register. Precisely denotes the specific piece of laboratory or industrial equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dewar vessel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dewar vessel”
- Mispronouncing 'Dewar' as /diːˈwɑːr/ (dee-war) instead of /ˈdjuːə/ or /ˈduːər/.
- Confusing it with a simple Thermos® brand flask used for coffee.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'insulated container' or 'flask' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They operate on the same vacuum insulation principle, but a dewar vessel is typically larger, more robust, and designed specifically for storing cryogenic liquids (like liquid nitrogen) rather than hot beverages.
It is named after its inventor, the Scottish chemist and physicist Sir James Dewar, who invented the vacuum flask in 1892.
While designed for safety, a dewar vessel can build up pressure if the vacuum seal fails or if it is improperly sealed. They are equipped with pressure relief devices to mitigate this risk, but proper handling and storage are crucial.
They are commonly made from glass (for inner vessels) with a metal outer casing, or entirely from stainless steel. Modern ones often use aluminium or composite materials to reduce weight.
A double-walled flask with a vacuum between the walls, used to store liquefied gases or maintain substances at very low temperatures, typically made of glass or metal.
Dewar vessel is usually technical / scientific in register.
Dewar vessel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdjuːə ˈvɛsəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːər ˈvɛsəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DEWAR keeps it COLDER.' Or remember Sir James Dewar, who invented the vacuum flask, and 'vessel' is just a container.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD AGAINST HEAT; A PORTABLE WINTER (conceptually isolating and preserving an extreme cold environment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dewar vessel?