laboratory

Everyday

1. A room or building with special equipment where scientists do experiments and tests. tree →
2. A room in a school where pupils do science practicals. tree →
3. A place where medical tests are done, for example on blood samples. tree →
4. Any place where people try out new ideas to see what works. tree →

In the lessons

In school science the laboratory is where you wear goggles, follow safety rules and do experiments; in stories it is where scientists or inventors work. In everyday life people say «the lab» much more often. Phrases: science laboratory, research laboratory, laboratory test, lab coat, in the lab.

Examples

• Our class went to the science laboratory to test which liquids are acids. tree →
• Never eat or drink in the laboratory. tree →
• The doctor sent my blood sample to a laboratory. tree →
• She works in a laboratory that studies new medicines. tree →
• We put on lab coats and goggles before the experiment. tree →
• The laboratory has sinks, gas taps and fire blankets. tree →
• The school garden became a laboratory for growing beans in different soils. tree →
• The results came back from the lab this morning. tree →
• Now, one day Edmund made a new lantern out of something chemical that he sneaked from the school laboratory. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a laboratory, two laboratories (y changes to ies). UK stress: la-BOR-a-tory; US stress: LAB-ra-tory. Usually shortened to «lab» in speech. Do not confuse with «lavatory» (a toilet), which sounds a little alike.