Pronunciation: [spˈɪɹɪt lˈamp] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "spirit lamp" is /ˈspɪrɪt læmp/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short i sound /ɪ/ and the second syllable with the schwa sound /ə/. The letter "i" in "spirit" is followed by the letter "r" which represents the rhotic consonant /r/. The word "lamp" is pronounced with the short "a" sound /æ/. A spirit lamp is a small lamp fueled by alcohol or fuel for heating.
A spirit lamp is a small portable device designed for producing and controlling the flame generated by a highly volatile liquid known as spirits. It typically consists of a glass or metal container, usually shaped like a bottle or flask, which serves as a reservoir for the spirit. At the top of the reservoir, there is a narrow tube or wick holder that extends outwards. This tube is filled with a porous material that acts as a wick to draw up the spirit from the reservoir.
To ignite the flame, the wick is soaked in the spirit and then lit using a match or a lighter. The flame produced by the spirit lamp is usually small and gentle, making it suitable for delicate tasks that require precise control of heat, such as laboratory experiments, chemical reactions, or medical procedures. Spirit lamps are commonly used in chemistry laboratories to heat test tubes or evaporate liquids, as well as in medical settings for sterilizing instruments.
Spirit lamps have gained popularity due to their simple design and ease of use. They offer a practical and affordable solution for situations where a consistent and adjustable flame is required. However, it is important to handle spirit lamps with caution due to the highly flammable nature of the spirit they contain, and to always ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful fumes.
A lamp used mainly for heating in laboratory work, in which alcohol is burned.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A lamp in which alcohol is used instead of oil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "spirit lamp" is composed of two main components: "spirit" and "lamp".
- "Spirit" originated from the Latin word "spiritus", which means "breath" or "soul". Over time, it expanded to encompass the concept of a non-physical, incorporeal essence or force. In the context of a spirit lamp, "spirit" refers to a volatile liquid which acts as a fuel, such as ethanol or methanol.
- "Lamp" is derived from the Greek word "lampein", meaning "to shine". It generally refers to a device that produces light, usually by burning a fuel source.
Therefore, the overall etymology of "spirit lamp" combines the notion of a volatile fuel or substance with a device that emits light, resulting in a portable source of illumination commonly used in scientific experiments, medical procedures, or heating small amounts of materials.
