English Reference

Word

beaker

US/ˈbikɝ/

UK/bˈiːkɐ/

Countable noun Science

Definition

n. a round glass container with a flat bottom and a spout for pouring. You use it in science labs to hold and mix liquids.

n. a cylindrical glass vessel with a flat base and a pouring lip, used for holding, mixing, and heating liquids in a laboratory setting.

Examples

“The student poured the blue liquid into a clean beaker.”

“To measure the volume of the solution accurately, the researcher transferred the liquid from the flask into a graduated beaker.”

“While the beaker is primarily designed for holding rather than precise measurement, its wide mouth allows for easy stirring and observation of chemical reactions as they occur.”

Examples

simple

“The student poured the blue liquid into a clean beaker.”

contextual

“To measure the volume of the solution accurately, the researcher transferred the liquid from the flask into a graduated beaker.”

complex

“While the beaker is primarily designed for holding rather than precise measurement, its wide mouth allows for easy stirring and observation of chemical reactions as they occur.”

Etymology

From Middle English bekyr, biker, from Old Norse bikarr (“cup”), from Old Saxon bikeri (“cup”), from Proto-West Germanic *bikārī, from Late Latin bīcārium (“wine vat, jug”), of disputed origin. Possibly from Ancient Greek βῖκος (bîkos, “earthenware jug, wine jar”), or from Latin bacarium (“wine vat, vase”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Bieker (“mug, cup, beaker”), Dutch beker (“beaker, cup”), German Becher (“beaker, cup, goblet”), Danish bæger (“beaker”), Italian bicchiere (“cup, glass (for drink)”). Doublet of pitcher.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Science

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference