Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, typically glass or plastic bottle, often encased in a protective outer container or cushioning, designed for the safe storage and transportation of corrosive, hazardous, or valuable liquids, especially acids and chemicals.

Usage

• The primary function of a carboy is to provide secure containment for dangerous liquids. It is a specialized industrial or laboratory container.
• It is often used with the preposition "of" to indicate the contents (e.g., a carboy of acid).
• Example: "The laboratory ordered a new carboy for storing concentrated sulfuric acid."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The chemist carefully poured the solvent from the carboy into a smaller beaker.
  • For the experiment, we will need a full carboy of distilled water.
  • The shipping department ensured the carboy was properly cushioned in its wooden crate before transport.

Advanced Usage

• "Glass carboy": Specifies the material, commonly used in winemaking and brewing for fermentation, not just for corrosive liquids.
  • The homebrewer sanitized the glass carboy before adding the wort.
• "Safety carboy": Emphasizes the protective design features for handling hazardous materials.
  • Always use a safety carboy carrier when moving acids.

Variants and Related Words

• Demijohn: A similar large bottle with a narrow neck, often wicker-cased, used historically for liquids like wine or oil. While similar, a demijohn is not necessarily designed for corrosive chemicals.
• Carboys (plural): The standard plural form.
• Carboying (gerund/noun): The act of using or handling carboys (a rare usage).

Synonyms

• Winchester bottle: (British English) A type of large glass bottle for chemicals, similar to a carboy.
• Jeroboam: A large bottle for wine, but not designed for hazardous chemicals.
• Bottle: A general term; carboy is a specific type of large, protective bottle.

Related Phrases/Idioms

Noun

1. a large bottle for holding corrosive liquids; usually cushioned in a special container