ampulla
[amˈpʊl.la]feminine
In Latin, the word for bottle is ampulla. Wiktionary also lists lagēna.
Meaning: container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ampulla | [amˈpʊl.la] (Classical Latin, narrow) [amˈpul.la] (narrow) |
feminine |
| lagēna | feminine |
The term is used to describe a container.
Which one should you use?
ampulla typically refers to a smaller, often more specialized container like a flask or a small vial, whereas lagēna is another form for a bottle.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both ampulla and lagēna are feminine nouns. To use 'bottle' as a direct object in a sentence, you must use the accusative form ampullam. The plural form of ampulla is ampullae.
Did you know?
- The word 'amphora', which shares roots with ampulla, is the ancestor of the English word 'amphibian', due to the Greek root meaning 'on both sides'.
- The term ampulla is a linguistic relative of the English word 'ampoule', used today for sterilized medicine vials.
- While we use 'bottle' for many things today, the Latin word lagēna originally referred to a vessel made from a natural gourd.
Examples in context
- Ubi possum ampullam aquae emere?Where can I buy a bottle of water?This sentence is useful for asking where to buy a bottle of water using ampulla.Tatoeba #13279812 by rul, translation #12618695 by rul
- Ampullam ei abstulit, misitque eam per fenestram.She took the bottle from him and threw it out the window.This sentence shows how to describe someone taking and throwing a bottle using ampulla.Tatoeba #9165395 by soridsolid, translation #3305887 by Hybrid
- Aperi ampullam.Open the bottle.This sentence is a simple command to open the bottle using ampulla.Tatoeba #6940007 by CarpeLanam, translation #49963 by CK
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are preparing for a picnic in a garden.
- JuliaUbi est mea ampulla?Where is my bottle?
- LuciusEcce, ampulla in mensa est.Here, the bottle is on the table.
- JuliaGratias tibi ago, Luci.Thank you, Lucius.
- LuciusNihil est.It is nothing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bottle” translations and entries ampulla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ampulla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
