noun
pipette
py-PET
Pipette (noun) means a small tube, often with a bulb and marked measurements, used to move or deliver a measured amount of liquid. Example: “She filled the pipette with exactly five milliliters of the solution.”
noun
1
A small tube, often with a bulb and marked measurements, used to move or deliver a measured amount of liquid.
"She filled the pipette with exactly five milliliters of the solution."
"The students squeezed the bulb of the pipette to draw up the water."
"A clean pipette is needed for each sample to avoid contamination."
verb
1
To transfer or measure a volume of liquid using a pipette.
"He pipetted the dye into each of the test tubes."
"Pipette the solution slowly so that no bubbles form."
"The technician pipettes small samples into the tray all day."
How to use pipette
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small tube used to measure and move liquid.
When to use it
It is mainly used in science and laboratory settings.
Memory tip
A burette is a related but different instrument, so do not use the two words interchangeably.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
glass pipette
use a pipette
draw up with a pipette
pipette the solution
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pipette.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She filled the _____ with exactly five milliliters of the solution.
Etymology
The word came into English from French pipette, which was formed from pipe plus the small-size ending -ette.
Rhymes for pipette
See all rhymes for pipette →Frequently asked questions
What is a pipette used for?
A pipette is used to transfer or measure small amounts of liquid, usually in a laboratory.
Is it pipette or pipet?
Both spellings exist, and pipet is the form listed for American English. Pipette is the more widely seen spelling.
How do you pronounce pipette?
In American English it is said py-PET, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the meaning of pipette?
"pipette" (noun) means a small tube, often with a bulb and marked measurements, used to move or deliver a measured amount of liquid.
