syringe

American  

[suh-rinj, sir-inj] / səˈrɪndʒ, ˈsɪr ɪndʒ /

noun

1. a small device consisting of a glass, metal, or hard rubber tube, narrowed at its outlet, and fitted with either a piston or a rubber bulb for drawing in a quantity of fluid or for ejecting fluid in a stream, for cleaning wounds, injecting fluids into the body, etc.

2. any similar device for pumping and spraying liquids through a small aperture.

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verb (used with object)

syringed, syringing

1. to cleanse, wash, inject, etc., by means of a syringe.

syringe British  

/ sɪˈrɪndʒ, ˈsɪrɪndʒ /

noun

1. med an instrument, such as a hypodermic syringe or a rubber ball with a slender nozzle, for use in withdrawing or injecting fluids, cleaning wounds, etc

2. any similar device for injecting, spraying, or extracting liquids by means of pressure or suction

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verb

1. (tr) to cleanse, inject, or spray with a syringe

syringe Scientific  

/ sə-rĭnj′ /

1. A medical instrument used to inject fluids into the body or draw them from it. Syringes have several different forms. Bulb syringes are usually made of rubber and work by squeezing the bulb to expel a fluid from it, as in ear irrigation. Needle syringes have hypodermic needles attached to plastic or glass tubes that contain plungers to create force or suction.

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Other Word Forms

• syringeful
  adjective
• unsyringed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of syringe

1375–1425; new singular formed from Late Latin sȳringēs, plural of sȳrinx syrinx; replacing late Middle English syring < Medieval Latin syringa

Explanation

A syringe is used, usually by a doctor or nurse, to inject or withdraw a fluid from your body. A syringe is a medical tool used for several purposes, but they all involve liquids going in or out of your body. A flu shot is given with a syringe: that's a liquid going in. A blood sample is taken with a syringe: that's liquid coming out. Part of a syringe is a needle, so patients usually don't like them. Syringes should only be used by medical professionals.

Example Sentences

Until recently, the heart of the Syringe Services Program was a once-weekly needle exchange at the program’s building in Everett.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2023

Syringe and vial are seen in front of displayed new Pfizer logo in this illustration taken, June 24, 2021.

From Reuters • Jul. 16, 2021

"Syringe service programs have saved countless lives and prevented countless cases of HIV and hepatitis C," he said.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2020

Syringe drivers also help doctors adjust dosage as necessary.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2018

Election of the Numnoonce, or town-constable—   Violence of parties—Singular institution of the Syringe   Boys—The prize-fighters—Domestic manufactures.

From A Voyage to the Moon by Tucker, George