What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flask
Example
He filled his flask with hot coffee before heading out on the hike. [flask: noun]
Example
The chemist mixed the chemicals in the flask to observe the reaction. [flask: noun]
Example
She stored the leftover soup in the flask to keep it fresh. [flask: noun]
vial
Example
The scientist carefully poured the solution into the vial. [vial: noun]
Example
She carried her favorite perfume in a small vial in her purse. [vial: noun]
Example
The nurse administered the medication from the vial into the patient's IV. [vial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vial is less commonly used than flask in everyday language. Flask is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vial is more specific to scientific or medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flask and vial?
Both flask and vial are formal words that are commonly used in scientific or medical contexts. However, vial may be considered more formal due to its specialized usage and association with laboratory settings.