ENGLISH
REFERENCE

laboratory

n.
US //ˈɫæbɹəˌtɔɹi// UK //lɐbˈɒɹətɹˌi// lab·o·ra·to·ry
  1. 1 scientific research room (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    a room or building used for scientific research, experiments, or testing.

    a room or building equipped for scientific research, experimentation, or analysis; often used in its abbreviated form 'lab' in casual and professional speech.

    Example

    The students spent the afternoon in the chemistry laboratory testing different liquids.

    Example

    The university recently invested in a state-of-the-art laboratory to facilitate advanced research into renewable energy sources.

    Usage

    Often shortened to 'lab' in everyday conversation.
  2. 2 manufacturing site (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a place where chemicals, medicines, or other scientific products are made.

    a facility dedicated to the preparation or manufacture of chemicals, drugs, or biological cultures.

    Example

    The pharmaceutical company has a large laboratory where they produce new vaccines.

    Example

    Strict safety protocols are enforced within the laboratory to prevent the accidental release of volatile chemical compounds during the manufacturing process.
Origin

Borrowed from Medieval Latin labōrātōrium.

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

Last updated June 19, 2026