beaker

From Middle English biker, from Old Norse bikarr (“cup”), from Old Saxon bikeri (“cup”), from Late Latin bīcārium (“wine vat, jug”), of disputed origin. Possibly from Ancient Greek βίκος (bíkos, “earthenware jug, wine jar”), or from Latin bacarium (“wine vat, vase”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Bieker (“mug, cup, beaker”), Dutch beker (“beaker, cup”), German Becher (“beaker, cup, goblet”), Danish bæger (“beaker”), Italian bicchiere (“cup, glass (for drink)”). See also pitcher.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈbiːkə(ɹ)/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈbiːkɚ/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -iːkə(r)

beaker (plural beakers)

1. A flat-bottomed vessel, with a lip, used as a laboratory container.
2. A drinking vessel without a handle, sometimes for the use of children.
3. A mug.
4. (slang, Antarctica) A scientist.
   • 2008, Kim Stanley Robinson, Antarctica, page 52:

     […] at every meal break he shambled into the galley black-fingered and smelling of engine-grease and concrete floors, to contemplate over his meal the beakers at their round tables chatting away, completely oblivious […]

• (drinking vessel without a handle): glass (2nd definition), tumbler

• beaker people

• breake, e-brake, rebake