pipette
pi-PET
/pɪˈpɛt/
A slender tube, often graduated, used to transfer or measure small, precise volumes of liquid.
Pipettes come in various types (e.g., volumetric, graduated, micropipette), each designed for different levels of precision and volume ranges.
The story behind the word. The word 'pipette' comes from the French word 'pipette,' which is a diminutive of 'pipe.' Essentially, it means 'little pipe.' This origin makes perfect sense, as a pipette is indeed a small, tube-like instrument designed to handle liquids, much like a miniature pipe.
Word relationships
- dropper: A dropper is typically less precise and used for approximate small volumes, while a pipette is for measured, precise volumes.
Commonly confused with
- burette: A burette is used for dispensing variable, precise volumes (especially in titrations), while a pipette is for transferring fixed, precise volumes.
Word family
- pipetting (verb (gerund)): The act of using a pipette.
Collocations
- micropipette
- volumetric pipette
- transfer with a pipette
- use a pipette
Example sentences
- "The technician used a micropipette to accurately transfer 10 microliters of the sample into the reaction well." Medical lab work
- "To ensure accuracy in the titration, she carefully drew exactly 25.00 mL of the acid solution using a volumetric pipette." Chemistry experiment
Memory hook
A 'PIP' (small seed) is moved by a 'PET' (animal) using a 'pipette' to be precise. PIP-ette: little pipe for liquids
When not to use
Do not use a pipette for transferring large, imprecise volumes of liquid, where a beaker or graduated cylinder would be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The invention of the micropipette in the 1950s by Heinrich Schnitger greatly advanced molecular biology and clinical diagnostics.
- Modern pipettes often use disposable plastic tips to prevent contamination between samples.
Explore more words
catheter, calibrate, Quantify, meticulous, calibration, particulate
Also appears in
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