The spelling of "glass vial" utilizes the standard English sound-symbol relationship. The word is pronounced /ɡlæs vaɪəl/ with the first syllable pronounced with a short "a" sound /æ/ and the second syllable with a long "i" sound /aɪ/. The letter "s" in both syllables is pronounced with an unvoiced "s" sound /s/. The word "vial" originates from the Latin word "vitrum," meaning "glass." A vial is a small container, typically made of glass, used to hold liquids or substances for scientific or medical purposes.
A glass vial is a small, cylindrical container made of glass, typically used to store and transport a wide range of liquids, solids, or powders. It features a narrow neck and an airtight seal, which helps preserve and protect the contents from contaminants, moisture, and other external factors.
Glass vials are commonly used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, chemistry, cosmetics, and research laboratories. They are particularly favored for their transparency, as glass allows easy observation of the contents inside without the need to open or manipulate the vial. This transparency also facilitates visual inspection for quality control purposes.
Glass vials come in different sizes, ranging from a few milliliters to a few ounces, and exhibit excellent chemical resistance, ensuring the integrity of the stored substances. They can be manufactured in clear or amber glass to prevent photodegradation of light-sensitive materials. Some vials may also be equipped with rubber or plastic stoppers or caps to ensure a secure and leak-proof closure.
The versatility of glass vials makes them suitable for storing and transporting various substances, such as pharmaceutical drugs, essential oils, perfumes, laboratory reagents, vaccines, and biological samples. Their durability, inertness, and non-reactivity with most chemicals make them a reliable choice for long-term storage and safe transportation of sensitive or valuable contents.
The word "glass" originates from the Old English "glæs", which is thought to have been borrowed from the Late Latin "glesum" or "glases". It can be traced back further to the Latin word "gutta" meaning "drop" or "teardrop".
The word "vial" is derived from the Latin word "fialis", which referred to a sacrificial cup or drinking vessel used in ancient Rome. The term later evolved to "viola", and eventually transformed into "vial" in English. The exact etymology of "vial" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have connections with the Latin "viola" and "via", meaning "way" or "path".
When combined, "glass vial" simply describes a small bottle or container made of glass.