Lab
/læb/
Definitions
2 meaningsA place where scientific work is done, especially experiments or research.
/læb/
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.
The researchers spent hours in the lab, analyzing data.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special room like a classroom but with test tubes and microscopes! That's a lab – a place where scientists do experiments to figure things out, like mixing colorful liquids or looking at tiny things under a scope. Like, "My school has a science lab where we learn about chemical reactions!"
👶 For kids: A lab is a special room where scientists do experiments to learn about stuff.
More Examples
The new lab facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
She's a lab assistant, helping with experiments.
How It's Used
"The students conducted an experiment in the chemistry lab."
"The doctor sent the blood sample to the lab for analysis."
A specialized space dedicated to testing, development, or creation of specific things.
/læb/
A place where something is made or tested, such as a computer lab or music lab.
Students often use the computer lab to work on their assignments.
💡 Simply: It's like a workshop for a specific task! Imagine a computer lab where you can use computers, or a music lab where you can practice playing your instruments. Like, "I'm headed to the computer lab to finish my assignment!"
👶 For kids: A lab is a room where people work and make or fix things.
More Examples
The music lab offers equipment for recording and practicing.
The company set up a testing lab to check the quality of their products.
How It's Used
"The school has a computer lab for students to use."
"The company built a development lab to test new software."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in the lab
Physically present in a laboratory; involved in laboratory work.
"She spent all day in the lab working on her research project."
lab report
A written document summarizing the results of an experiment or other scientific investigation.
"The students had to submit their lab report by Friday."
Shortening of "laboratory", from the Medieval Latin "laboratorium" (a place for labor or work), derived from "labor" (work).
The term 'lab' has been used since the late 19th century, originating as a shortening of 'laboratory' in scientific contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a *labrador* - they're often in scientific experiments!
Word Origin
"Workplace; place for labor"