Pronunciation: [vˈaskjʊləm] (IPA) 
The word "vasculum" is spelled with a "v" followed by an "a" and then a "s". The "s" is followed by a "c", which is pronounced as "k" in this case. The "u" after the "c" is silent and is followed by an "l". The final syllable has a short "u" sound followed by an "m". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈvæskjʊləm/. This word refers to a botanical collecting vessel used to hold plants while they are being transported.
A vasculum is a specialized container or receptacle used by botanists and naturalists to collect, store, and transport plant specimens without damaging them. This term is derived from the Latin word "vasculum," which literally means "small vessel" or "container."
Typically made of metal, such as aluminum, a vasculum is designed to provide a secure and protective environment for delicate plant materials during fieldwork or botanical expeditions. It consists of a cylindrical or rectangular body with a hinged lid, which can be tightly closed to prevent the specimen from shifting or getting damaged. Additionally, a vasculum often features a metal or leather handle for easy carrying.
The interior of a vasculum is lined with layers of absorbent plant paper, such as blotting paper, to help preserve the moisture and integrity of the collected specimens. This paper prevents the plants from drying out and maintains their shape and color until they can be transported to a herbarium or laboratory for further examination or documentation.
Vasculums vary in size, with some being small and portable while others are larger and more suitable for extensive fieldwork. They are an essential tool for botanists, plant collectors, and researchers who need to collect, study, and preserve botanical specimens for scientific study, classification, and reference. Overall, a vasculum serves as a reliable and secure container that ensures the safety and quality of plant samples while they are being transported from their natural habitat to a controlled research environment.
A small vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vasculum" is derived from the Latin word "vasculum", which means "small container" or "vase". It is a diminutive form of the Latin word "vas", which means "vessel" or "container". In botanical and entomological contexts, a vasculum refers to a specialized container or case used by botanists and entomologists to collect and transport plant or insect specimens.
