Ampulla
/æmˈpʊlə/noun
A small rounded bottle or vessel, especially one with a narrow neck.
Did you know?In Roman and later Christian contexts, ampullae could hold holy oil or liquids for ritual use, so the word lived at the edge of everyday containers and sacred power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
ampulla
“a flask, vial, or small swelling vessel”
Late Latin
Latin
ampulla
“a small bottle or flask, often used for liquids”
Old French
OF
ampoule
“a flask, vial; later also a blister or swelling”
Middle English
English
ampulle
“a small vessel or flask for liquids, especially holy oil”
Modern English
English
ampulla
“a small rounded bottle or vessel, especially one with a narrow neck”