The spelling of the word "laboratory dish" is straightforward if you know its phonetic transcription. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is pronounced /ˈlæbərətɔːri dɪʃ/. The first syllable "lab-" is pronounced as "læb" with a short "a" sound. The second syllable "-o-ra-tory" is pronounced as "ərətɔːri" with stress on the third syllable. Lastly, the common word "dish" is pronounced as "dɪʃ", rhyming with "wish". Remembering the IPA phonetic transcription can help you spell "laboratory dish" correctly.
A laboratory dish, also known as a petri dish or a culture dish, is a shallow, cylindrical container made of clear glass or transparent plastic, commonly used in laboratories for the cultivation and growth of various microorganisms, tissues, or cell cultures for scientific research, medical studies, or diagnostic purposes.
Typically, a laboratory dish has a flat, round shape with a small cylindrical wall around the edge, creating a shallow well. The dish is sterilized before use to prevent contamination, as it provides an optimal environment for the growth of microorganisms and cells. The culture medium, such as agar, is poured into the dish and allowed to solidify, forming a gel-like surface wherein microorganisms or tissues can be placed.
Laboratory dishes come in various sizes, ranging from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters in diameter, depending on the research requirements. They feature a lid or cover to protect the cultures from external contaminants, maintain optimum humidity, and prevent drying out.
Laboratory dishes are utilized in a wide range of scientific disciplines, including microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. They serve as a vital tool for studying the growth, development, and behavior of various organisms and cells in a controlled environment. Additionally, laboratory dishes are indispensable for cultivating and isolating specific microorganisms, testing the effectiveness of antibiotics or drugs, and conducting genetic manipulations or experiments.
The etymology of the word "laboratory dish" can be derived by analyzing the origins of each individual word:
1. Laboratory: The word "laboratory" comes from the Latin word "laboratorium", which means "a workshop or a place for laboring". It originated from the Latin word "labor", meaning "work" or "toil". Over time, "laboratorium" became synonymous with a place where scientific experiments and research were conducted, giving rise to the modern term "laboratory".
2. Dish: The word "dish" has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled "disc", meaning "plate" or "flat round object". It can be traced back further to Germanic and Proto-Indo-European origins, relating to words with similar meanings.