Beaker
/ˈbiːkər/noun
A small cup or container, especially one used in laboratories.
Did you know?Beaker comes from a chain of Germanic words linked to a container with a spout or beak, showing how everyday lab language can descend from ancient drinkware vocabulary rather than science itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bikōn / *bīkō
“A drinking vessel or cup with a pointed spout or lip”
Old English
OE
bīcere
“A cup or drinking vessel”
Old Norse
ON
bikarr
“A cup, goblet, or drinking vessel”
Middle English
ME
bekere
“A cup or drinking vessel”
Modern English
English
beaker
“A cup, mug, or laboratory container”