What is laboratory? Pronunciation and usage in English

laboratory means . Learn how to pronounce and use laboratory through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of laboratory

laboratorynoun

/ləˈbɒrət(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of laboratory

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "laboratory." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Lab-" - This part is relatively straightforward. Think of the word "lab" as in a science lab. It's pronounced like "lahb" (rhymes with "crab").

2. The Difficult Part: "-oratory"

This is where most people stumble. Here’s how to tackle it:

  • "o" - Say a short "o" sound, similar to the "o" in "hot" or "not". It's a quick, closed vowel.
  • "ra" - Pronounce this like the "rah" in “father” or “car.”
  • "tory" - This is the tricky part. It’s often pronounced with a “tuh” sound. Think of it like saying "tory" but quickly and lightly adding a short “uh” sound at the end. ("to-ree" with a very quick, unstressed "uh" at the end).

Putting it all together:

The most common and accepted pronunciation of "laboratory" is "lah-buh-ruh-tuh-ree"

(lahb-uh-ROH-tuh-ree)

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it down: Initially, say each syllable very deliberately.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Search online for audio pronunciations of “laboratory” on Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, or YouTube.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying it and compare your pronunciation to a native speaker.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences using "laboratory"?

Usage and examples with the word laboratory in English

Let's break down how to use the word "laboratory" effectively in English.

1. Basic Definition:

A laboratory is a room or building equipped for scientific research or experiments. It's a place where scientists and technicians conduct investigations, analyze samples, and test theories.

2. Different Forms & Usage:

  • Laboratory (noun): This is the most common form.

    • Example: "The laboratory was filled with the smell of chemicals."
    • Example: "She works as a researcher in a genetics laboratory."

  • Laboratories (plural noun): Used when referring to multiple labs.

    • Example: "The university has several laboratories dedicated to different scientific fields."

  • Laboratory's (possessive noun): Shows ownership.

    • Example: "The laboratory’s equipment is state-of-the-art."

3. Types of Laboratories:

The word "laboratory" can refer to many specific types of facilities, depending on their purpose:

  • Medical Laboratory: Analyzes blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. (e.g., "The medical laboratory confirmed the presence of the virus.")
  • Research Laboratory: Used for scientific experimentation and discovery. (e.g., "The research laboratory is studying the effects of climate change.")
  • Chemistry Laboratory: Focuses on chemical experiments. (e.g., "He performed his experiment in the chemistry laboratory.")
  • Biology Laboratory: Conducts research in biology, often involving living organisms. (e.g., "The biology laboratory is where they grow cell cultures.")
  • Forensic Laboratory: Used for scientific analysis in criminal investigations. (e.g., "The forensic laboratory examined the fingerprints found at the crime scene.")
  • Pharmaceutical Laboratory: Develops and tests new medicines. (e.g., "The pharmaceutical laboratory is working on a new vaccine.")

4. Phrases & Collocations:

Here are some common phrases and how "laboratory" is used within them:

  • Run an experiment in the laboratory: "The students ran an experiment in the laboratory to test their hypothesis."
  • Conduct research in a laboratory: "The scientists conducted research in a laboratory for five years."
  • Lab assistant/technician: "The lab assistant prepared the samples for analysis."
  • State-of-the-art laboratory: "The university has invested in a state-of-the-art laboratory."
  • Sterile laboratory: "The sterile laboratory is essential for preventing contamination."
  • Clinical laboratory: (Often used interchangeably with 'medical laboratory')

5. Pronunciation:

  • There are different pronunciations depending on the regional accent. Generally, it's pronounced: /ˈlæbərəˌtɔːri/ (LAB-er-a-tor-ee).

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "The scientists used sophisticated equipment in the laboratory to analyze the soil samples."
  • "She is a highly skilled chemist working in a specialized laboratory."
  • "The laboratories at the university are open to the public for tours."
  • "The laboratory’s findings were published in a prestigious scientific journal."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you’re using “laboratory” in? (e.g., a school report, a conversation about science, a job application?)
  • Are you trying to describe a specific type of laboratory?

Synonyms for the word laboratory

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