flask
UK: flɑːsk | US: flæsk
n. a small container, typically made of glass or metal, used for storing liquids.
n. a narrow-necked glass vessel used in laboratories for holding chemicals.
n. (historical) a flat metal bottle for liquor, carried in a pocket.
The word "flask" originates from the Late Latin flasca, meaning "bottle" or "container," which evolved into Old English flasce and later Middle English flask. The diminutive suffix -k (or -sk) suggests a smaller or portable version of the original container. Historically, flasks were often made of metal or leather for carrying liquids, and the term later specialized to include laboratory glassware. The core idea of a "portable liquid holder" has remained consistent.
She poured the hot tea into a small flask to keep it warm.
The chemist carefully heated the solution in a glass flask.
He carried a silver flask filled with whiskey in his coat pocket.
The ancient travelers used leather flasks to store water.
In the lab, students learned to handle flasks and beakers safely.