Definition

1. Noun:
   • A workplace for the conduct of scientific research: A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, often containing specialized instruments and chemicals.
   • A place for practical work in a science or technical subject: A setting, often in an educational institution, where students perform hands-on experiments or work with equipment.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The chemistry students spent the afternoon in the lab conducting experiments.
  • She works in a research lab that focuses on developing new vaccines.
  • The computer lab is open to all students after school.

Advanced Usage

• "Dry lab": A laboratory where computational or theoretical work is done, as opposed to experiments with chemicals or biological materials.
  • Most of his research is done in a dry lab, analyzing large datasets.
• "Wet lab": A laboratory where experiments involving liquids, chemicals, or biological matter are conducted.
  • You must wear protective gear when working in the wet lab.
• "Lab work": The practical experimental work done in a laboratory.
  • The course grade is based on both exams and lab work.

Variants and Related Words

• Laboratory (n): The full, formal term for "lab."
  • The new university building will house a state-of-the-art physics laboratory.
• Lab coat (n): A protective white coat worn in a laboratory.
  • Always wear your lab coat and safety goggles.
• Lab technician (n): A person who assists in a laboratory.
  • The lab technician prepared the samples for analysis.

Synonyms

• Laboratory: The formal equivalent.
• Research facility: A broader term for a place dedicated to research.
• Experiment room: A more general descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• "In the lab": Working or located within a laboratory.
  • He's been in the lab all day trying to replicate the results.
• "Lab partner": A person with whom one works on experiments in a laboratory class.
  • My lab partner and I will present our findings on Friday.
• "Lab report": A written account of an experiment conducted in a lab.
  • Don't forget to submit your lab report by the deadline.

Noun

1. a workplace for the conduct of scientific research