Vocabulary Words Every Laboratory Assistant Should Know

Lab

Definition: A place for scientific experiments or research.

• We conducted experiments in the lab.
• The chemistry lab is well-equipped.
• She spent hours in the lab working on her project.

Lab in a sentence

Test

Definition: A method of assessing knowledge or skills; an examination.

• She studied hard for the math test next week.
• He passed the driving test on his first try.
• The teacher gave a pop quiz as a test of understanding.

Test in a sentence

Sample

Definition: A small part or example of something used to show the quality or characteristics.

• They took a sample of the water for testing.
• I received a sample of the new product.
• She provided a sample of her work for review.

Sample in a sentence

Result

Definition: The outcome or effect of something.

• The result of the test was better than expected.
• She was happy with the result of her hard work.
• The result of the experiment showed a clear answer.

Result in a sentence

Tool

Definition: An instrument or device used to perform a task.

• A hammer is a useful tool for building.
• I need a tool to fix my bike.
• He used a tool to cut the wood.

Tool in a sentence

Glass

Definition: A hard, transparent material that is used for windows and containers.

• The glass broke when it fell off the table.
• She drank water from a glass cup.
• He looked through the glass window at the garden.

Glass in a sentence

Water

Definition: A clear liquid that all living things need.

• We drink water every day.
• Plants need water to grow.
• The glass is full of water.

Water in a sentence

Mix

Definition: To combine two or more things.

• She mixed blue and yellow to make green.
• Mix the flour and sugar together.
• He mixed juice with water.

Mix in a sentence

Heat

Definition: The quality of being hot; energy that causes temperature to rise.

• The heat from the sun warmed the ground.
• She turned on the heat because it was cold.
• Understanding heat is important in science and daily life.

Heat in a sentence

Safety

Definition: The condition of being protected from danger or harm.

• Safety is the most important thing in our school.
• We should practice safety rules when crossing the street.
• The safety of the children is our top priority.

Safety in a sentence

Clean

Definition: To make something free of dirt or mess.

• I need to clean my room before my friends come.
• She will clean the dishes after dinner.
• We should clean up the classroom together.

Clean in a sentence

Measure

Definition: To determine the size, amount, or degree of something.

• We need to measure the room for furniture.
• She will measure the ingredients for the recipe.
• He used a ruler to measure the paper.

Measure in a sentence

Color

Definition: A property of objects that results from the way they reflect light; a visual perception.

• Her favorite color is blue.
• The drawing has many bright colors.
• He likes to color pictures in his art book.

Color in a sentence

Scale

Definition: A device used to measure weight or a system for grading or ranking.

• She weighed herself on the scale this morning.
• The scale showed that he had lost some weight.
• He used a scale to measure ingredients for the recipe.

Scale in a sentence

Pipette

Definition: A tool used to measure and transfer small amounts of liquid.

• The scientist used a pipette to add the solution.
• She carefully filled the pipette with the colored liquid.
• A pipette is essential for precise measurements in labs.

Pipette in a sentence

Tube

Definition: A cylindrical container or passage; also refers to a subway system in London.

• He put the toothpaste in a tube.
• They took the tube to get around London.
• Understanding how tubes work is useful in science and travel.

Tube in a sentence

Jar

Definition: a container, usually made of glass, for storing food

• She put the cookies in a jar to keep them fresh.
• He opened a jar of peanut butter for his sandwich.
• The jar was filled with colorful candies.

Jar in a sentence

Cap

Definition: A type of headwear that often has a brim and is worn for protection or style.

• He wore a cap to shield his eyes from the sun.
• The baseball cap is a popular fashion item among students.
• Understanding the different types of caps can enhance wardrobe choices.

Cap in a sentence

Label

Definition: a tag or sticker that provides information

• The label on the bottle shows the ingredients.
• He read the label to check for allergens.
• She put a label on each box for organization.

Label in a sentence

Data

Definition: Information collected for analysis.

• The data shows an increase in sales.
• We need to analyze the data carefully.
• His research includes a lot of data.

Data in a sentence

Equipment

Definition: Tools or devices used for a specific purpose.

• We need new equipment for the science lab.
• The gym has all the right equipment for workouts.
• She bought equipment for her photography hobby.

Equipment in a sentence

Chemical

Definition: A substance used in or produced by a chemical process.

• Water is a chemical made of hydrogen and oxygen.
• Some chemical reactions can create heat.
• We learn about different chemicals in science class.

Chemical in a sentence

Microscope

Definition: An instrument used to see very small objects by magnifying them.

• The scientist used a microscope to study cells.
• Students looked at slides under the microscope.
• A microscope helps us see details that are invisible to the eye.

Microscope in a sentence

Research

Definition: A careful study to learn more about something.

• We need to do research for our project.
• Her research on animals was fascinating.
• He enjoys research in science.

Research in a sentence

Observe

Definition: To watch something carefully in order to learn or gather information.

• He likes to observe birds in the park.
• She observed the experiment closely.
• Understanding how to observe can improve scientific skills.

Observe in a sentence

Experiment

Definition: a test to learn something new

• They conducted an experiment in the lab.
• The scientist's experiment was successful.
• We learned a lot from the chemistry experiment.

Experiment in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

Analysis

Definition: The detailed examination of something to understand it better.

• He did an analysis of the data for his project.
• Her analysis showed interesting results.
• They worked together on the analysis of the report.

Analysis in a sentence

Solution

Definition: An answer to a problem.

• We need to find a solution to this issue.
• The teacher provided a solution to the math problem.
• There are many solutions to environmental challenges.

Solution in a sentence

React

Definition: To respond to something; to show a response.

• He will react quickly to the news.
• She reacted with excitement when she won.
• They need to react calmly in emergencies.

React in a sentence

Mixture

Definition: A combination of two or more different things.

• The cake batter is a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs.
• She prepared a mixture of nuts and dried fruits as a snack.
• Understanding mixtures is important in cooking and science.

Mixture in a sentence

Container

Definition: An object used to hold or store something, like a box or jar.

• She put the cookies in a container to keep them fresh.
• The container was filled with water.
• You can use a container to organize your supplies.

Container in a sentence

Results

Definition: The outcomes or consequences of an action or event.

• The results of the test were announced yesterday.
• She was happy with the results of her hard work.
• The survey results showed a need for more resources.

Observation

Definition: The act of watching something carefully to gain information.

• Her observation of the stars was amazing.
• He made an observation about the weather.
• The scientist's observation helped with the research.

Observation in a sentence

Hypothesis

Definition: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, often based on limited evidence.

• The scientist tested her hypothesis about plant growth.
• We formed a hypothesis before starting our experiment.
• His hypothesis was proven correct after the tests.

Hypothesis in a sentence

Variable

Definition: Something that can change or vary; not constant.

• The weather is a variable that affects our plans.
• In math, a variable represents an unknown number.
• There are many variables to consider in the experiment.

Variable in a sentence

Measurement

Definition: the size, quantity, or degree of something

• Accurate measurement is crucial in cooking.
• She took the measurement of the room for curtains.
• They learned about different units of measurement.

Measurement in a sentence

Control

Definition: To have power over something; to direct or regulate.

• He tries to control his temper when frustrated.
• We need to control the noise level in the classroom.
• She learned how to control the robot using a remote.

Control in a sentence

Reagent

Definition: A substance used in a chemical reaction to detect or produce other substances.

• We used a special reagent to test the solution.
• The reagent changed color, indicating a reaction.
• Choosing the right reagent is important in experiments.

Reagent in a sentence

Laboratory

Definition: A controlled environment for scientific experiments and research.

• The students conducted experiments in the laboratory.
• The laboratory is equipped with advanced technology.
• She works in a chemistry laboratory.

Laboratory in a sentence

Technician

Definition: A skilled worker who repairs or maintains equipment or systems.

• The technician fixed the computer within an hour.
• She is training to become a lab technician.
• The technician explained how to use the new software.

Technician in a sentence

Protocol

Definition: A set of rules or procedures to be followed in certain situations.

• The protocol for the experiment was carefully followed.
• They established a protocol for handling emergencies.
• Understanding the protocol is important for safety.

Protocol in a sentence

Accuracy

Definition: The quality of being correct or precise.

• We need to ensure the accuracy of our measurements.
• The accuracy of the information is crucial.
• She values accuracy in her research.

Accuracy in a sentence

Calibration

Definition: The act of adjusting a device to ensure accurate measurements.

• Calibration is essential for scientific instruments.
• The technician performed the calibration on the scales.
• Regular calibration helps maintain accuracy in measurements.

Calibration in a sentence

Contamination

Definition: the presence of harmful substances in something

• Water contamination can harm wildlife and humans.
• They checked for contamination in the food supply.
• Understanding contamination is important for health safety.

Contamination in a sentence

Report

Definition: A spoken or written account of something.

• I need to write a report about my science project.
• The news report covered the recent event.
• He will report the findings to the class.

Report in a sentence

Conclusion

Definition: The final part of something; a decision or opinion formed after consideration.

• His conclusion was based on the evidence presented.
• She reached a conclusion after analyzing the data.
• Understanding conclusions is important for critical thinking.

Conclusion in a sentence

Sterilization

Definition: The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

• Sterilization is crucial in medical settings to prevent infection.
• The dentist used sterilization methods for his tools.
• They practiced sterilization techniques in the lab.

Sterilization in a sentence

Documentation

Definition: The act of providing written evidence or records; materials that provide information.

• Proper documentation is important for legal processes.
• She prepared the documentation for the project.
• The documentation helped clarify the procedures.

Documentation in a sentence

Precision

Definition: the quality of being exact and accurate

• The engineer worked with precision on the project.
• She measured the ingredients with precision.
• Precision is important in scientific experiments.

Precision in a sentence

Technique

Definition: A way of doing something, especially in a skillful manner.

• He learned a new technique for playing the guitar.
• The artist used a unique technique for her painting.
• We practiced the technique repeatedly to improve.

Technique in a sentence

Synthesis

Definition: The combination of different ideas or elements to form a new whole.

• Synthesis of information is important in writing essays.
• The synthesis of various sources improved her research.
• He focused on the synthesis of art and science in his project.

Synthesis in a sentence

Concentration

Definition: The act of focusing attention; the amount of a substance in a mixture.

• Concentration is important for studying effectively.
• The concentration of salt in the water was measured.
• He struggled with concentration while doing homework.

Concentration in a sentence

Assay

Definition: To test or analyze something, especially substances.

• The scientist will assay the samples for purity.
• They performed an assay to check the quality.
• Assaying materials is crucial in the lab.

Assay in a sentence

Methodology

Definition: A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

• The researcher explained her methodology in the report.
• He learned different methodologies in his science class.
• Understanding methodology is important for conducting research.

Methodology in a sentence

Labware

Definition: items used in a laboratory, such as glassware and tools

• The lab needed new labware for the experiments.
• He organized the labware to keep everything tidy.
• She purchased labware for her chemistry class.

Centrifuge

Definition: A machine that spins quickly to separate substances of different densities.

• The scientist used a centrifuge to separate the liquid.
• Centrifuges are important in laboratories.
• Understanding how a centrifuge works is essential for experiments.

Centrifuge in a sentence

Spectrophotometer

Definition: An instrument that measures how much light a substance absorbs at different wavelengths.

• The spectrophotometer showed how the dye absorbed light.
• She calibrated the spectrophotometer before taking measurements.
• Using a spectrophotometer helps in many scientific experiments.

Spectrophotometer in a sentence

Aliquot

Definition: A portion or fraction of a larger whole.

• She took an aliquot of the solution for testing.
• The recipe requires an aliquot of the ingredients.
• Each aliquot should be measured carefully for accuracy.

Aliquot in a sentence

Chromatography

Definition: A technique used to separate mixtures into individual components.

• Chromatography is commonly used in laboratories for analysis.
• He conducted chromatography experiments to identify substances.
• Understanding chromatography helps in chemical analysis.

Chromatography in a sentence

Autoclave

Definition: A device used to sterilize equipment using high pressure and steam.

• The lab uses an autoclave for sterilization.
• She placed the tools in the autoclave.
• An autoclave is essential in medical facilities.

Autoclave in a sentence

Microscopy

Definition: The use of microscopes to view small objects or organisms.

• Microscopy is essential in biological research.
• She learned about microscopy techniques in her lab class.
• The study of cells often involves microscopy.

Microscopy in a sentence

Titration

Definition: A laboratory method used to determine the concentration of a solution.

• They performed titration to find the acid concentration.
• Titration is an important skill in chemistry labs.
• She practiced titration to prepare for her exam.

Titration in a sentence

Electrophoresis

Definition: A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size.

• They used electrophoresis to analyze the samples.
• Understanding electrophoresis helps in genetic research.
• The electrophoresis results showed clear bands for each sample.

Electrophoresis in a sentence

Compound

Definition: a substance made of two or more elements

• Water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
• They learned about chemical compounds in science.
• The compound was used in the experiment.

Compound in a sentence

Solvent

Definition: A substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution.

• Water is a common solvent for many substances.
• He used an appropriate solvent for cleaning the paint.
• The choice of solvent affects the reaction in chemistry.

Solvent in a sentence

Substrate

Definition: A surface or material on which an organism grows or is attached.

• The substrate provides nutrients for plant growth.
• He studied the substrate in his biology experiment.
• Understanding substrate is important in ecology.

Substrate in a sentence

Data Analysis

Definition: The process of inspecting and interpreting data to extract useful information.

• Data analysis helps businesses make informed decisions.
• She learned data analysis techniques in her statistics class.
• Effective data analysis can reveal important trends.

Data Analysis in a sentence

Quantitative

Definition: Related to measuring or counting; involves numbers.

• Quantitative data is important for statistical analysis.
• She conducted a quantitative study on student performance.
• Quantitative research helps to gather measurable results.

Quantitative in a sentence

Qualitative

Definition: Related to descriptions or characteristics rather than numbers.

• Qualitative research focuses on opinions and experiences.
• She conducted a qualitative study on student behavior.
• Qualitative data can provide deep insights.

Qualitative in a sentence

Control Group

Definition: A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.

• The control group helped determine the effectiveness of the drug.
• They compared the results of the experimental group with the control group.
• Understanding the control group is important in scientific studies.

Control Group in a sentence

Peer Review

Definition: The evaluation of work by others in the same field to ensure quality.

• The peer review process helps improve academic papers.
• She submitted her article for peer review.
• Understanding peer review is important in research.

Peer Review in a sentence

Safety Procedures

Definition: Instructions designed to ensure safety in various situations.

• Following safety procedures is essential in the lab.
• They reviewed safety procedures before starting the experiment.
• Understanding safety procedures helps prevent accidents.

Biosafety

Definition: practices to ensure the safety of living organisms in research

• Biosafety protocols prevent contamination in labs.
• The lab follows strict biosafety guidelines.
• She studied biosafety in her biology course.

Biosafety in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Inventory

Definition: A list of items in stock or available.

• The store keeps an inventory of all products.
• We need to check the inventory before ordering more.
• His job is to manage the inventory of supplies.

Inventory in a sentence

Troubleshooting

Definition: The process of identifying and solving problems in a system or device.

• He is good at troubleshooting computer issues.
• They used troubleshooting steps to fix the printer.
• Troubleshooting can save time and effort in repairs.

Troubleshooting in a sentence

Maintenance

Definition: the process of keeping something in good condition

• Regular maintenance of the car is necessary.
• The maintenance team fixed the broken equipment.
• They schedule maintenance for the computers often.

Maintenance in a sentence

Workflow

Definition: The sequence of processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.

• Understanding workflow helps improve productivity.
• She designed a new workflow for the project team.
• Effective workflow management can streamline operations.

Workflow in a sentence

Interpretation

Definition: the act of explaining or understanding something

• His interpretation of the poem was interesting.
• She gave a clear interpretation of the rules.
• The interpretation of the data helped us understand better.

Interpretation in a sentence

Aseptic

Definition: Free from contamination by harmful bacteria.

• Aseptic techniques are important in labs.
• The nurse used aseptic methods during the procedure.
• He learned about aseptic environments in class.

Aseptic in a sentence

Isotopes

Definition: Multiple forms of an element with varying neutron counts.

• There are several isotopes of hydrogen, like deuterium.
• Scientists study isotopes to understand chemical processes.
• Isotopes can be stable or unstable, depending on their structure.

Quantification

Definition: The process of measuring or expressing something in numerical terms.

• Quantification helps in analyzing data accurately.
• She learned about quantification methods in her statistics class.
• Understanding quantification is important for scientific research.

Quantification in a sentence

Microbiology

Definition: The study of tiny living organisms, like bacteria and viruses.

• Microbiology helps us understand diseases and infections.
• She is interested in microbiology and its applications in medicine.
• Understanding microbiology is essential for health sciences.

Microbiology in a sentence

Pathogen

Definition: An organism, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease.

• The doctor identified the pathogen responsible for the illness.
• Pathogens can spread through contaminated food or water.
• Understanding pathogens is crucial in health studies.

Pathogen in a sentence

Dilution

Definition: the process of making a liquid weaker by adding more liquid

• The dilution of the medicine made it easier to take.
• They discussed the dilution of chemicals in class.
• Understanding dilution helps in preparing solutions.

Dilution in a sentence

Precipitate

Definition: To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly; also refers to a solid formed from a solution.

• The rain can precipitate the flooding.
• The decision to leave may precipitate a crisis.
• Understanding how to precipitate reactions is important in chemistry.

Precipitate in a sentence

Solubility

Definition: The ability of a substance to dissolve in a liquid.

• The solubility of sugar in water increases with temperature.
• He learned about solubility in his chemistry class.
• Understanding solubility helps in various scientific experiments.

Solubility in a sentence

Polymerase

Definition: An enzyme that synthesizes long chains of polymers, especially nucleic acids.

• DNA polymerase is essential for DNA replication.
• She learned about the role of polymerase in genetics.
• Polymerase activity is crucial in molecular biology.

Polymerase in a sentence

Amplification

Definition: The process of increasing the strength or volume of a signal.

• The amplification of sound helped everyone hear.
• They used amplification in the presentation.
• Understanding amplification is vital in audio technology.

Amplification in a sentence

Immunology

Definition: The study of the immune system and how it protects the body.

• Immunology is crucial for developing vaccines.
• She is pursuing a career in immunology to help fight diseases.
• The immunology research focused on new treatments for allergies.

Immunology in a sentence

Biomolecule

Definition: A molecule that is essential for life, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• DNA is a crucial biomolecule that carries genetic information.
• Proteins are important biomolecules that help build muscles.
• She studied the role of biomolecules in cellular functions.

Biomolecule in a sentence