lab
UK: læb | US: læb
n. short for "laboratory," a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching
n. informal term for a Labrador Retriever (dog breed)
"Lab" is a clipped form of "laboratory," which originates from the Medieval Latin laboratorium ("a place for labor or work"), derived from laborare ("to work"). The abbreviation reflects English's tendency to shorten frequently used words, especially in informal or professional contexts (e.g., "ad" for "advertisement"). The term retains its core meaning of a workspace for scientific inquiry.
She spent the afternoon analyzing samples in the lab.
The chemistry lab is equipped with advanced microscopes.
Their black lab is the friendliest dog in the neighborhood.
Students must wear safety goggles in the lab.
The research team published findings from their lab experiments.