ampulla

noun

am·​pul·​la am-ˈpu̇-lə How to pronounce ampulla (audio) ˈam-ˌpyü-lə How to pronounce ampulla (audio)
plural ampullae am-ˈpu-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce ampulla (audio)
-ˌlī,
ˈam-ˌpyü-
1
: a glass or earthenware flask with a globular body and two handles used especially by the ancient Romans to hold ointment, perfume, or wine
2
: a saccular anatomical swelling or pouch
ampullary
am-ˈpu̇-lər-ē How to pronounce ampulla (audio)
ˈam-pyə-ˌler-ē
adjective

Examples of ampulla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The regalia that King Frederik sported are presented alongside the King’s badges of rank like the crown, scepter, orb, coronation sword and anointing ampulla — a royal parallel to some of the objects used in King Charles’ coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May 2023. — Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024 The ampulla, shaped like an eagle, contains oil used in the coronation service. — Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 6 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, going back to *amporela, diminutive of amphora amphora; (sense 2) borrowed from Medieval Latin, going back to Latin

Note: See also ampoule.

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ampulla was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing ampulla

Rhymes for ampulla

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Browse Nearby Words

ampoule
ampulla
ampullaceous
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Cite this Entry

“Ampulla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ampulla. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

ampulla

noun
am·​pul·​la am-ˈpu̇-lə How to pronounce ampulla (audio) ˈam-ˌpyü-lə How to pronounce ampulla (audio)
plural ampullae -ˌlē How to pronounce ampulla (audio)
: a saccular anatomic swelling or pouch: as
a
: the dilatation containing a patch of sensory epithelium at one end of each semicircular canal of the ear
b
: one of the dilatations of the lactiferous tubules of the mammary glands that serve as reservoirs for milk
c(1)
: the middle portion of the fallopian tube
(2)
: the distal dilatation of a vas deferens near the opening of the duct leading from the seminal vesicle
d
: a terminal dilatation of the rectum just before it joins the anal canal

More from Merriam-Webster on ampulla

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ampulla

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