syringes
Definition
Noun: A plural form of syringe.
- Medical instrument: A syringe is a device used for injecting or withdrawing fluids, typically consisting of a hollow cylinder, a plunger, and a needle.
- Scientific tool: In laboratories, syringes are used for precise measurement and transfer of liquids.
Note: The word "syringes" is the standard plural of "syringe" (not "syrinxes"), referring to multiple such instruments. The unrelated homonym "syrinx" (a musical instrument or anatomical part) has the plural "syrinxes" or "syringes" in specialized contexts, but in common usage, "syringes" almost exclusively means multiple medical syringes.
Usage Examples
- (Multiple medical instruments for injections.)
- (Discarded needles and syringes.)
- (Multiple devices for fluid transfer.)
Advanced Usage
- "Syringes in medicine": The term is commonly used in healthcare contexts to refer to disposable or reusable injection devices.
- The hospital ordered a box of sterile syringes for the emergency room. (Medical supplies for injections.)
- "Syringes in research": In scientific settings, syringes are used for precise dosing.
- The chemist used micro-syringes to inject samples into the chromatograph. (Small, precise syringes for laboratory work.)
Variants and Related Words
- Syringe (n): the singular form, referring to one instrument.
- She used a syringe to draw blood from the patient. (A single medical device.)
- Syringe (v): to inject or clean with a syringe.
- The doctor syringed the wound with antiseptic. (Used a syringe to flush the area.)
Synonyms
- Hypodermic: a type of syringe with a needle for injection.
- Injector: a device used for injecting fluids (less common for syringes).
- Dropper: a similar tool for dispensing liquids in drops (not identical).
Related Idioms
- "Syringe and needle": A common pairing in medical contexts, though not a fixed idiom.
- The phrase "syringe and needle" is often used in warnings about safe disposal. (Referring to the combined instrument.)
Additional Note
- Homonym caution: In anatomy or music, "syrinx" (plural: syrinxes or syringes) refers to a bird's vocal organ or a ancient Greek panpipe. However, this usage is rare in modern English; the word "syringes" almost always means multiple medical syringes.