ampoule

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ampoule" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a small glass vial or capsule containing a liquid medication that is administered by breaking the vial's top. For example, "The nurse administered the vaccine using a small ampoule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She was pronounced dead eight hours after admission after being treated with a saline ampoule contaminated with insulin.

The Guardian

Perhaps the most celebrated ampulla in history was that known as la sainte ampoule ("the holy ampulla"), at Reims, from which the kings of France were anointed (legend said that it was brought from heaven by a dove for the coronation of Clovis); this ampulla was destroyed during the French Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

• Kieren Fallon rode his first winner of the year at Wolverhampton yesterday aboard the 10-11 fAmpoulee Ampoule.

The Guardian - Sport

But she was pronounced dead eight hours after admission after being treated with a saline ampoule contaminated with insulin.

The Guardian

"I brought him an ampoule of Paris air".

The Guardian

(For example: cleanse, double cleanse, exfoliate, tone, spray yourself with "essence," use an "ampoule," apply a sheet mask, add eye cream, moisturize, moisturize again).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Victorino Chua, 49, described by detectives as a narcissistic psychopath, injected insulin into saline bags and ampoules while working on two acute wards at Stepping Hill hospital, Stockport, in June and July 2011.

The Guardian

Those were our punji sticks and acid ampoules!

The New Yorker

"Sir James, if I'd wanted to poison my wife I could have taken any amount of ampoules from the hospital pharmacy without getting involved with Miss Mitchell," he said angrily.

The New Yorker

Same with all the ampoules of hydrofluoric acid.

The New Yorker

We, to be honest, when we get a patient we can use up to 15 atropine ampoules in one hour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ampoule" in medical contexts, ensure you specify the contents and concentration if relevant for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ampoule" interchangeably with larger containers like vials or bottles. An "ampoule" is specifically a small, sealed glass container for single-dose use.

Linguistic Context

The noun "ampoule" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a specific type of container. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in medical and cosmetic contexts, confirming its role as a tangible object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ampoule" refers to a small, sealed glass vial typically containing a single dose of medication or other solution. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the term is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage leans towards neutral or professional contexts, frequently appearing in medical, scientific, and news-related articles. Though not extremely common, understanding its specific meaning – a sealed single-dose container – is key to using it accurately. Remember to avoid using it interchangeably with similar but distinct containers like "vial".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glass ampule

Specifies the material composition of the ampoule.

sealed vial

Focuses on the container's airtight closure.

small phial

Emphasizes the size and type of container.

sterile vial

Highlights the sterility of the container.

single-dose vial

Emphasizes the single-use aspect.

medicine vial

Highlights that ampoule is used for medical purpose.

dosage capsule

Focuses on the medication aspect.

sealed capsule

Highlights the closure and container.

injectable solution container

Focuses on the purpose and type of content.

small sealed container

General description of a similar object.

FAQs

How do you use "ampoule" in a sentence?

You can use "ampoule" in sentences like: "The nurse broke the "ampoule" to draw the vaccine" or "The cosmetic product was packaged in a single-use "ampoule"".

What's the difference between "ampoule" and "vial"?

An "ampoule" is a small, sealed glass container for a single dose, whereas a "vial" is a small bottle that can contain multiple doses and is resealable.

Are "ampoules" only used for medication?

While often associated with medicine, "ampoules" can also contain cosmetic serums, chemical solutions, or other substances requiring airtight storage.

What is the correct plural form of "ampoule"?

The correct plural form of "ampoule" is "ampoules".