ampulla

[ am-puhl-uh, -pool-uh ]

noun

, plural am·pul·lae [am-, puhl, -ee, -, pool, -ee].

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.

ampulla

/ æmˈpʊlə; ˌæmpʊˈleɪʃəs; æmˈpʊlərɪ; æmˈpʊlə /

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

Derived Forms

• ampullaceous, adjective
• ampullar, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ampulla¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ampulla¹

C16: from Latin, diminutive of amphora

Example Sentences

Sharks, rays and their relatives can detect tiny electric fields, thanks to bulbous organs concentrated near their heads called ampullae of Lorenzini.

From Science News

Straightway there descends a dove white as snow, bearing in its beak an ampulla full of chrism sent from heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

The holy ampulla containing it is kept in the church of Saint Remi at Reims.

From Project Gutenberg

And by God's grace on the day of the King's anointing this ampulla is always found full.

From Project Gutenberg

If an ampulla be inflated and then pressed, the corresponding tube-foot will be seen to extend.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief sign of the Canterbury pilgrimage was an ampul or ampulla or flask of lead or pewter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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