vaso de precipitados
/baso de pɾeθipitados/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English word 'beaker' translates to Spanish as vaso de precipitados. If unsure, use vaso de precipitados. Wiktionary also lists vaso de precipitación and matraz.
Meaning: flat-bottomed laboratory vessel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vaso de precipitados | /baso de pɾeθipitados/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /baso de pɾesipitados/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| vaso de precipitación | /baso de pɾeθipitaθjon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /baso de pɾesipitasjon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| matraz | /maˈtɾaθ/ /maˈtɾas/ |
masculine |
In a laboratory context, this term refers to a flat-bottomed vessel used for holding or mixing liquids.
Which one should you use?
While vaso de precipitados refers specifically to a beaker, the word matraz is the technical term used for a flask.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase vaso de precipitados is the most common way to refer to a beaker in a laboratory setting. The masculine form vaso de precipitación is also used.
Did you know?
- In a Spanish-speaking lab, if you ask for a vaso without specifying de precipitados, your colleague might hand you a regular drinking glass.
- The word matraz is a linguistic traveler, having been borrowed from the French word matras to describe laboratory glassware.
- Spanish uses the word precipitación for both a chemical 'precipitate' in a beaker and the 'precipitation' of rain from a cloud.
Examples in context
- El científico vertió la solución en un vaso de precipitados.The scientist poured the solution into a beaker.
- Necesito un vaso de precipitados limpio.I need a clean beaker.
- El vaso de precipitados está sobre la mesa.The beaker is on the table.
- ¿Dónde pusiste el vaso de precipitados de vidrio?Where did you put the glass beaker?
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are working in a chemistry lab.
- Lucía¿Dónde está el vaso de precipitados, Daniel?Where is the beaker, Daniel?
- DanielEstá sobre la mesa de trabajo.It is on the workbench.
- LucíaGracias, voy a mezclar los reactivos ahora.Thanks, I am going to mix the reagents now.
- DanielTen cuidado al usar el vaso de precipitados.Be careful when using the beaker.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beaker” translations and entries vaso de precipitados, matraz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, matraz, precipitación, vaso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
