ampulla
noun
am·pul·la am-ˈpu̇-lə 
ˈam-ˌpyü-lə
ˈam-ˌpyü-lə plural ampullae am-ˈpu-(ˌ)lē
-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
adjective ˈam-pyə-ˌler-ē
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Another volunteer recently unearthed a slightly flattened ampulla, or small vessel created in the style of Roman jugs used by pilgrims to carry holy water or oil. 
Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2021
Nora Mcgreevy, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2021 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
Phrases Containing ampulla
Medical Definition
ampulla
noun
am·pul·la am-ˈpu̇-lə ˈam-ˌpyü-lə
ˈam-ˌpyü-lə plural ampullae -ˌlē
: 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
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