phial etymology

Etymology

The word "phial" comes from the Late Latin word "phiala," which is derived from the Greek word "phialē," meaning "shallow bowl" or "cup."

Meaning

A phial is a small, narrow-necked glass or plastic container, typically used for holding liquids, especially medicinal preparations or laboratory reagents.

Origin

The word "phial" has its roots in the ancient Greek practice of using shallow, saucer-like bowls called "phialae" for religious rituals and offerings. These bowls were typically made of metal, clay, or glass, and were used to hold libations (liquid offerings) to the gods.

Over time, the use of phialae evolved, and they were adopted for various purposes, including:

  • As drinking cups for personal use
  • As vessels for storing and dispensing liquids, such as oils and perfumes
  • As laboratory containers for holding chemicals and reagents

By the Middle Ages, the term "phial" was commonly used to refer to small glass bottles or containers, particularly those used in medicine and alchemy.

phial relate terms

  • vial

    Etymology The word vial derives from the Old French word viole meaning small flask

  • phial

    Etymology The word phial comes from the Late Latin word phiala which is derived from

  • bottle

    Etymology The word bottle is derived from the Old French word bouteille which in tu

  • delta

    Etymology Greek δέλτα delta Meaning The fourth letter of the Greek alphabe

  • algebra

    Etymology The word algebra comes from Arabic الجبر al jabr meaning reunion

  • wisdom

    Etymology From Middle English wisdom from Old English wīsdōm from Proto West German

  • make up

    Etymology Make Old English macian meaning to form create or produce Up Old Eng

  • hierarchy

  • angel

    Etymology The word angel derives from the Greek word angelos meaning messenger I

  • precept

    Etymology The word precept comes from the Latin word praeceptum which means comman

  • forget

    Forget Etymology Old English forgietan from Proto Germanic for getan to forget neg