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Definition of vial

vial

/ˈvaɪ.əl/
vi · al
Plural:vials
•
Past Simple:vialed
•
Past Participle:vialed
•
Present Participle:vialing
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vial Lexical Profile

vial Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, usually cylindrical glass or plastic container used for holding liquids such as medicines, perfumes, or chemicals.

Example

"The scientist carefully extracted the newly synthesized compound from a sterile glass vial."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vial

• verb

1

To place or store in a vial (especially a liquid substance).

Example

"After the distillation process was complete, the fragrant essential oil was vialed and prepared for shipment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vial

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with its homophone 'vile', which is an adjective meaning extremely unpleasant or morally bad. It is also synonymous with the less common spelling 'phial'.

• Rhymes for vial

• Nearby Words

viable
viably
viaduct
vial
vialful
viana do castelo
vibe

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'viole' and Old French 'fiole', ultimately from the Greek 'phialē', meaning a broad, flat container.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vial
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