The spelling of the word "pipettes" is tricky, as it features double consonants and a silent "e". It is pronounced [pɪˈpɛts], with the stress on the second syllable. The first "p" is pronounced with a weak aspiration, while the second "p" is not pronounced at all. The double "t" is pronounced with a slight stop, similar to the sound at the end of the word "act". The final "e" is silent, making the last three letters pronounced as "ets". To avoid misspelling, it is important to remember these phonetic nuances when writing "pipettes".
A pipette refers to a laboratory tool used for accurate measurement and transfer of small amounts of liquid. It consists of a narrow cylindrical tube, usually made of glass or plastic, with a tapered or calibrated tip. Pipettes come in various sizes and types, such as volumetric or measuring pipettes, micropipettes, and disposable pipettes.
Volumetric or measuring pipettes are commonly used in chemical and biological laboratories to precisely deliver a specific volume of liquid. These pipettes have a marked scale indicating milliliters and sub-milliliter increments, allowing for accurate measurements. They usually have a suction bulb or a mechanical device called a pipette filler attached to the top, which creates a vacuum when pressed and released to absorb or dispense liquid.
Micropipettes, on the other hand, are used for extremely small volumes, typically in the microliter range. They are frequently employed in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medical research. Micropipettes are equipped with a disposable plastic tip, which is discarded after each use to prevent contamination. They often feature adjustable volume settings, allowing the user to set the desired volume for precise liquid measurements.
Disposable pipettes, as the name suggests, are designed for single-use applications. They are often made of plastic and do not have volume markings or adjustable settings. Disposable pipettes are frequently used in medical diagnostics, food testing, and general laboratory tasks where accuracy is not as critical.
The word "pipettes" is derived from the French word "pipette", which was originally coined in the late 18th century. It comes from the Middle French word "pipe", meaning a small tube. The term "pipette" was then anglicized around the early 19th century, bringing it into English usage. The word refers to a slender tube used in laboratories to measure and transfer small volumes of liquid accurately.