ampulla

noun am·pul·la \am-ˈpu̇-lə, ˈam-ˌpyü-lə\

plural am·pul·lae\-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\

Definition of AMPULLA

: a glass or earthenware flask with a globular body and two handles used especially by the ancient Romans to hold ointment, perfume, or wine

: a saccular anatomical swelling or pouch

— am·pul·la·ry \am-ˈpu̇-lər-ē, ˈam-pyə-ˌler-ē\ adjective

Origin of AMPULLA

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin, diminutive of amphora

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with AMPULLA

Missoula, tabbouleh

Medical Dictionary

ampulla

noun am·pul·la \am-ˈpu̇-lə, ˈam-ˌpyü-lə\

plural am·pul·lae \-ˌlē\

Medical Definition of AMPULLA

: a saccular anatomic swelling or pouch: as a : the dilatation containing a patch of sensory epithelium at one end of each semicircular canal of the ear b : one of the dilatations of the lactiferous tubules of the mammary glands that serve as reservoirs for milk c (1) : the middle portion of the fallopian tube (2) : the distal dilatation of a vas deferens near the opening of the duct leading from the seminal vesicle d : a terminal dilatation of the rectum just before it joins the anal canal