Category:Ampulla

Am*pul"la, n.; pl. Ampullæ. Etym: [L. ]

1. (Rom. Antiq.)

Defn: A narrow-necked vessel having two handles and bellying out like a jug.

2. (Eccl.) (a) A cruet for the wine and water at Mass. (b) The vase in which the holy oil for chrism, unction, or coronation is kept. Shipley.

3. (Biol.)

Defn: Any membranous bag shaped like a leathern bottle, as the dilated end of a vessel or duct; especially the dilations of the semicircular canals of the ear.