vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Players will have to charge up the blade and the five vials available in Sword Mode and then unleash the power in the Axe Form along with the Super Amped Element Discharge. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Nearly 800 people in 20 states were diagnosed with a fungal infection in 2012 after receiving injections from contaminated vials of medicine manufactured by the NECC, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has said. Sabrina Souza, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 The team thinks the vial could have come from the Marḫaši, which, according to Mesopotamian texts, was a powerful civilization that occupied what’s now eastern Iran. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 When mercury is present in vaccines, it is found in thimerosal, a preservative used in multi-dose vials to prevent bacteria and fungi growth. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 The introduction of potion vials coupled with immunity is a clear nod to Rossellini's character in Death Becomes Her. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 19 Jan. 2024 An investigation into the firefighter began when the Centerton Fire Chief noticed a 10 mg vial was missing from the narcotics safe, Centerton police said. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2024 As the room collectively exhaled, a nurse reached back through the crowd with a vial of blood drawn from the fetus and handed it to MacKenzie. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 Researchers say that a small vial of deep red paste found in Iran’s Jiroft region is likely an ancient tube of lipstick. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vial was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vial

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial

More from Merriam-Webster on vial

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