noun
laboratory
LAB-ruh-tor-ee/ˈlæbrətɔːri/
A place equipped for scientific experiments, testing, or research.
The laboratory has a microscope, glassware, and neatly arranged workstations.
Etymology
The pieces describe a place for working. The ancestor meant a workplace generally, while English laboratory names a specially equipped workplace for scientific experiments and research.
In context
And suddenly, the universities could save millions of dollars by letting the students perform virtual experiments before they go into the real laboratory.
More examples
- The hospital laboratory tests blood samples for signs of infection.
- Students wear safety goggles while working in the chemistry laboratory.
- Both laboratories study how bacteria respond to new antibiotics.
Forms
laboratory · laboratories
Similar words
- lab
- Lab is the everyday shortened form of laboratory.