pipette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, specializedTechnical/Scientific; Formal when used in its primary sense. Informal use as a verb is rare.
Quick answer
What does “pipette” mean?
A slender tube, often made of glass or plastic, with a bulb or other mechanism at one end, used in chemistry and biology to transfer or measure small, precise volumes of liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender tube, often made of glass or plastic, with a bulb or other mechanism at one end, used in chemistry and biology to transfer or measure small, precise volumes of liquid.
By extension, the act of using such a device (as a verb). In non-technical contexts, it can metaphorically describe a delicate, precise transfer or action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The pronunciation of the final vowel may differ slightly.
Connotations
None; it is a purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both UK and US English, confined primarily to scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pipette” in a Sentence
pipette something (into/onto something)pipette [liquid] into [container]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pipette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protocol states you must carefully pipette the supernatant into a fresh Eppendorf tube.
- After centrifuging, pipette off the top layer.
American English
- Pipette 5 μL of the solution onto the slide.
- Make sure you pipette the samples accurately to avoid error.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form exists.]
American English
- [No adverbial form exists.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use. 'Pipette tip' is a compound noun.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival use. 'Pipette volume' is a compound noun.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in biotech/pharma company contexts.
Academic
Common in laboratory manuals, research papers, and instructions for chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and medical science.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by someone describing a hobby (e.g., home brewing, perfume making) or a specific task.
Technical
The primary context. A standard term in any laboratory setting for precise liquid handling.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pipette”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈpaɪ.pɪt/ (like 'pipe' + 'it') is common but non-standard.
- Misspelling: 'pipet' (US alternative, less common), 'pippette', 'pipetty'.
- Using as a general term for any tube or dropper outside a scientific context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'pipet' is a recognized, chiefly American English variant of 'pipette', though 'pipette' is more common internationally.
Yes. As a denominal verb, 'to pipette' means to use a pipette to transfer or measure a liquid (e.g., 'Pipette 50 µL into each well').
A pipette is generally more precise, often graduated (marked with measurements), and used for scientific work. A dropper typically has a rubber bulb and is used for less precise, often medicinal or casual applications.
In British English, it's typically /pɪˈpɛt/ (pi-PET). In American English, both /paɪˈpɛt/ (pie-PET) and /pɪˈpɛt/ (pi-PET) are heard, with the former being more common.
A slender tube, often made of glass or plastic, with a bulb or other mechanism at one end, used in chemistry and biology to transfer or measure small, precise volumes of liquid.
Pipette is usually technical/scientific; formal when used in its primary sense. informal use as a verb is rare. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny PET that drinks liquid precisely – a PI-(glass)-PET. Or: 'PIPette' – you 'pip' a small amount.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A SLENDER TUBE; TRANSFER IS SUCTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'pipette' MOST likely to be used correctly?