# petri

/ˈpɛtɹi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/petri
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a small dish used in science to grow bacteria or other tiny living things. It is usually made of glass and has a flat bottom.

For teachers: a shallow glass dish used in microbiology to culture microorganisms. Named after the German scientist Julius Petri.

## Examples

- The scientist placed the bacteria in a petri dish.
- After collecting the soil sample, the researcher carefully transferred the microbes into a sterile petri dish to observe their growth.
- The laboratory technician monitored the colonies developing in the petri dish under a microscope to determine the effectiveness of the new antibiotic treatment.

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