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Definition of test tube
test tube
Plural:test tubes
test tube Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
A thin glass or plastic tube with one closed and rounded end, used primarily in scientific laboratories for holding, mixing, or heating small quantities of liquid or solid chemicals.
Example
"The biologist carefully added a drop of the reagent to the test tube to observe the chemical reaction."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for test tubeWord Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'test' and 'tube', first recorded in the mid-19th century in reference to small glassware used for conducting chemical experiments and testing.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Test tube. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/test tube