ampulla

American  

[am-puhl-uh, -pool-uh] / æmˈpʌl ə, -ˈpʊl ə /

noun

ampullae plural

1. Anatomy. a dilated portion of a canal or duct, especially of the semicircular canals of the ear.

2. Zoology, Botany. any flask-shaped structure.

3. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a vessel for the wine and water used at the altar.

   2. a vessel for holding consecrated oil.

4. a two-handled bottle having a somewhat globular shape, made of glass or earthenware, used by the ancient Romans for holding oil, wine, or perfumes.

5. Ichthyology. ampulla of Lorenzini.

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ampulla British  

/ ˌæmpʊˈleɪʃəs, æmˈpʊlə, æmˈpʊlə, æmˈpʊlərɪ /

noun

1. anatomy the dilated end part of certain ducts or canals, such as the end of a uterine tube

2. Christianity

   1. a vessel for containing the wine and water used at the Eucharist

   2. a small flask for containing consecrated oil

3. a Roman two-handled bottle for oil, wine, or perfume

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• ampullaceous
  adjective
• ampullar
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• ampullae
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ampulla

< New Latin, Latin, equivalent to amphor ( a ) amphora + -la diminutive suffix, with normal vowel reduction and Greek ph rendered as p

Related Words

• beaker
• canteen
• carafe
• chalice
• decanter
• jug
• urn
• vial