pipette

Everyday

1. noun: A thin glass or plastic tube used in science to measure or move small amounts of liquid, drop by drop. tree →
2. verb: To move liquid with a pipette. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, a pipette (or dropper) adds a few drops of indicator or water exactly. Squeeze the bulb, dip it, then release to suck up liquid; squeeze gently to let out drops. Accurate measuring makes a fair test.

Examples

• Use the pipette to add three drops of iodine. tree →
• She pipetted the liquid into the test tube. tree →
• A pipette helps you measure small amounts. tree →
• Squeeze the pipette gently to let out one drop. tree →
• The scientist used a plastic pipette. tree →
• Wash the pipette before using another liquid. tree →

Note

Countable. Spelling: pipette, with double t and -ette (as in "cassette"). Pronounced "pi-PET". US also "pipet". In maths and science, measure in millilitres (ml): 1 ml is about 20 drops.