micropipette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “micropipette” mean?
A laboratory instrument for accurately measuring and transferring very small volumes of liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A laboratory instrument for accurately measuring and transferring very small volumes of liquid.
A highly precise pipette designed to handle volumes typically in the microliter range (often from 0.5 µL to 1000 µL).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties primarily use the single-word spelling 'micropipette'. Pronunciation differences follow general UK/US patterns for 'micro-'.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally frequent in scientific contexts in both regions. Virtually unknown outside of laboratory, biomedical, or research settings.
Grammar
How to Use “micropipette” in a Sentence
to micropipette [LIQUID] into/onto [CONTAINER/SURFACE]to transfer [VOLUME] using a micropipetteThe micropipette is set to [VOLUME].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “micropipette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must micropipette the reagent into each well carefully.
- After centrifuging, micropipette the supernatant into a fresh tube.
American English
- Micropipette 5 µL of the sample onto the slide.
- Always micropipette slowly to ensure accuracy.
adjective
British English
- The micropipette technique must be mastered early.
- We need more micropipette tips for the assay.
American English
- Follow the micropipette protocol exactly.
- The new micropipette controller is more ergonomic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused. Only in the context of ordering laboratory supplies.
Academic
Core term in laboratory manuals and research papers in life sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology).
Everyday
Unused.
Technical
Essential and highly specific term. Refers to the physical device, its calibration, and its use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “micropipette”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “micropipette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “micropipette”
- Misspelling as 'micropipet' (less common variant) or 'micro pipette' (should be hyphenated or single word).
- Using 'micropipette' to refer to the disposable plastic tip instead of the main instrument.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised technical term used almost exclusively in scientific laboratories, particularly in biology, chemistry, and medicine.
Its primary function is to aspirate, measure, and dispense very small, precise volumes of liquid, typically in the microliter (µL) range.
A 'pipette' is a general term for liquid-handling instruments. A 'micropipette' is a specific type designed for high-precision work with volumes less than 1 millilitre.
Yes, in laboratory jargon, 'to micropipette' means to use a micropipette to transfer a liquid. It's a standard back-formation in technical English.
A laboratory instrument for accurately measuring and transferring very small volumes of liquid.
Micropipette is usually technical / scientific in register.
Micropipette: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.paɪˈpɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.paɪˈpɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MICRO (very small) + PIPETTE (a lab tube for liquids) = a tool for handling extremely small liquid samples.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE HAND (for precision).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'micropipette' most commonly used?