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 While Sangha had quoted Fleming $160 per vial of ketamine, authorities say Fleming charged Perry $220 per vial. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024 The vaccine has now been poured into vials allowing public health officials to more easily distribute doses if they are needed. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024 The colors of the vials can also be customized to personalize your Flounder. New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2024 One vial of semaglutide had high levels of endotoxin, a toxin found in bacterial cells, although researchers didn’t find any live bacteria that could cause infection. Liz Szabo, NBC News, 3 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vial 

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 17 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!