注射器
A syringe is a medical tool used to inject liquids into the body or take blood out.
Explanation at your level:
A syringe is a tool. Doctors use it to give you medicine. It has a needle. You see it at the hospital.
A syringe is a medical device. It has a small tube and a needle. Nurses use it to give injections or take blood samples. It is very important for health.
You use a syringe to move liquid. It is common in hospitals. Doctors use it to inject medicine directly into the body. It is important to keep syringes clean and safe.
A syringe is a precision tool used for the controlled delivery of fluids. In a clinical setting, it is essential for administering medication. Because of the needle, it must be handled with care to prevent injury or infection.
The syringe represents a significant advancement in medical technology. By allowing for intravenous or subcutaneous administration of drugs, it ensures rapid absorption. Beyond medicine, syringes are utilized in laboratory research for precise measurement of reagents and in various industrial applications requiring exact fluid displacement.
Historically, the syringe evolved from primitive tubes to the sophisticated, sterile hypodermic devices we recognize today. Its invention fundamentally altered pharmacokinetics, enabling doctors to bypass the digestive system for immediate therapeutic effects. The term itself, derived from the Greek syrinx, highlights the longevity of the 'pipe' concept in human engineering, serving as a testament to how simple mechanical principles can be refined to achieve life-sustaining outcomes in modern medicine.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A syringe is a medical device for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
- It consists of a barrel, plunger, and needle.
- Always use a sterile, single-use syringe.
- The word comes from the Greek word for pipe.
A syringe is a device that most of us encounter at the doctor's office. At its core, it is a precision instrument designed to move liquid from one place to another.
The structure is quite clever. It has a barrel (the tube), a plunger (the part you push), and usually a hypodermic needle attached to the end. By pulling the plunger back, you create a vacuum that draws liquid in. By pushing it forward, you force the liquid out.
While we mostly think of them for medical injections, they are also used in science labs to measure chemicals and even in the kitchen for tasks like injecting marinade into meat. It is a simple tool, but one that changed medicine forever by allowing for controlled, sterile delivery of medication.
The word syringe comes from the Greek word syrinx, which means 'pipe' or 'panpipe.' It is a fascinating journey from an ancient musical instrument to a life-saving medical tool!
The concept of using a tube to deliver fluids dates back to ancient times, but the modern hypodermic syringe was invented in the 19th century. In 1853, Alexander Wood and Charles Pravaz independently developed the syringe with a fine needle that could pierce the skin.
Before this, medicine was often applied topically or ingested. The ability to deliver drugs directly into the bloodstream was a medical revolution. It allowed for faster action and more precise dosing, which is why the syringe remains a staple in every hospital and clinic across the globe today.
In daily life, you will most often hear 'syringe' in healthcare contexts. You might hear someone say, 'The nurse filled the syringe with medication.' It is a neutral, technical term used by professionals and patients alike.
Common collocations include 'disposable syringe', which emphasizes hygiene, or 'insulin syringe', which refers to a specific type used by diabetics. You might also hear 'hypodermic syringe', which is the more formal, anatomical way to describe a needle-based device.
The register is generally formal or clinical. You wouldn't use this word in casual conversation unless you were discussing a medical procedure. If you are talking to a child, you might occasionally hear the word 'shot' or 'needle' used interchangeably, though 'syringe' specifically refers to the tool itself, not just the sharp tip.
While 'syringe' itself isn't the star of many common idioms, it is closely linked to medical expressions.
- 'Needle in a haystack': While not about the syringe, it shares the 'needle' imagery.
- 'Shot in the arm': This means a boost or stimulus, metaphorically referring to the energy a medical injection provides.
- 'Under the needle': Refers to being in the process of receiving an injection or, more commonly, getting a tattoo.
- 'Sharp as a needle': Used to describe someone very intelligent or quick-witted.
- 'Prick of conscience': A metaphorical 'sting' or feeling of guilt, playing on the sensation of a needle.
The word syringe is a regular countable noun. Its plural form is simply syringes. You use the indefinite article 'a' before it (e.g., 'a syringe').
Pronunciation is /sɪˈrɪndʒ/. The stress is on the second syllable. A common mistake is to stress the first syllable or mispronounce the 'g' at the end as a hard 'g'. It should sound like the 'j' in 'judge'.
It rhymes with words like 'fringe', 'hinge', 'cringe', and 'binge'. Remember that the 'y' makes a short 'i' sound, similar to 'sit'.
Fun Fact
The syringe's name is related to the Greek myth of Syrinx, a nymph who turned into reeds that were made into a pipe.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'i' sounds, soft 'j' at the end.
Similar to UK, clear 'j' sound.
Common Errors
- Hard G sound
- Long E sound at start
- Incorrect syllable stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to spell
Pronunciation of 'ge' is tricky
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
A syringe, two syringes
Articles
The syringe
Third Person Singular
He uses a syringe
Examples by Level
The doctor has a syringe.
doctor / has / syringe
Simple present tense
I see the syringe.
I / see / the / syringe
Definite article
It is a syringe.
It / is / a / syringe
Indefinite article
The syringe is small.
The / syringe / is / small
Adjective usage
He uses a syringe.
He / uses / a / syringe
Third person singular
Where is the syringe?
Where / is / the / syringe
Question word
This is my syringe.
This / is / my / syringe
Possessive pronoun
Do not touch the syringe.
Do not / touch / the / syringe
Imperative
The nurse filled the syringe with medicine.
Please put the syringe in the bin.
The syringe has a sharp needle.
He needs a new syringe for his insulin.
The doctor used a syringe to take blood.
Keep the syringe away from children.
She held the syringe carefully.
The syringe is made of plastic.
The pharmacist provided a sterile syringe.
Diabetics often use a syringe to manage their levels.
Make sure to dispose of the used syringe properly.
The laboratory technician used a syringe for the experiment.
He felt a small sting when the syringe was used.
The syringe plunger was pushed down slowly.
Always check the expiry date on the syringe packaging.
The vet used a syringe to vaccinate the puppy.
The administration of the vaccine requires a specialized syringe.
Safety protocols mandate the immediate disposal of the syringe.
The syringe allows for precise titration of the medication.
She was nervous about the syringe, but the nurse was gentle.
The syringe barrel is clearly marked with measurement units.
Modern syringes are designed to be single-use to prevent infection.
Using a contaminated syringe poses a severe health risk.
The researcher calibrated the syringe for the chemical analysis.
The implementation of disposable syringes has drastically reduced cross-contamination.
The syringe acts as a conduit for the controlled delivery of the serum.
In veterinary medicine, the syringe is an indispensable tool for anesthesia.
The plunger of the syringe must be lubricated for smooth operation.
She watched as the liquid was drawn into the syringe barrel.
The precision of the syringe is critical in pharmaceutical research.
Public health initiatives often focus on the distribution of clean syringes.
The mechanical design of the syringe has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The evolution of the hypodermic syringe reflects the broader history of medical innovation.
The syringe serves as a quintessential example of a simple machine applied to complex biology.
The clinician meticulously prepared the syringe, ensuring no air bubbles remained.
The syringe, while seemingly mundane, is a marvel of sterile engineering.
The patient's phobia of the syringe was managed through cognitive behavioral therapy.
The syringe provides a direct pathway for systemic drug delivery.
The syringe's capacity is measured in milliliters to ensure accurate dosing.
The advent of the syringe allowed for the development of modern immunology.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"under the needle"
receiving an injection or tattoo
I was under the needle for an hour.
casual"shot in the arm"
a boost of energy or help
The new funding was a shot in the arm for the project.
idiomatic"sharp as a needle"
very intelligent
She is as sharp as a needle.
casual"needle in a haystack"
something very hard to find
Finding that receipt is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
common"on pins and needles"
feeling anxious
I was on pins and needles waiting for the results.
commonEasily Confused
People use them interchangeably
Needle is the tip; syringe is the tool
The needle pricked me; the syringe held the fluid.
Both move liquid
Pipettes are for labs; syringes are for medicine
Use a pipette for the experiment.
Both move liquid
Droppers use gravity; syringes use pressure
Use a dropper for eye drops.
Both deliver medicine
Inhalers are for lungs; syringes are for blood/skin
He used his inhaler for asthma.
Sentence Patterns
The nurse used a syringe to...
The nurse used a syringe to give the shot.
Fill the syringe with...
Fill the syringe with 5ml of liquid.
Dispose of the syringe in...
Dispose of the syringe in the bin.
The syringe contains...
The syringe contains the vaccine.
A sterile syringe is...
A sterile syringe is essential.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The needle is just the sharp part; the whole tool is the syringe.
The 'ge' sound is soft like 'judge'.
We don't usually say 'I will syringe you', we say 'I will give you an injection'.
Pipettes are for labs; syringes are for medical use.
It is a countable noun.
Tips
Say It Right
Remember the soft 'j' sound at the end.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't call the whole tool a 'needle'.
Study Smart
Use flashcards with pictures of medical tools.
Cultural Insight
Syringes are associated with safety and hygiene.
Did You Know?
The word comes from a Greek musical instrument!
Memory Palace Trick
Place a giant syringe in your doctor's office in your mind.
When Native Speakers Use It
Mostly in medical contexts.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'a' or 'the' before it.
Contextual Learning
Watch a medical documentary to hear it used.
Rhyme Time
Remember it rhymes with 'hinge'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Syringe - Singe (like burning) - Imagine a tiny pipe that singes.
Visual Association
A doctor holding a clear plastic tube.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe the parts of a syringe to a friend.
Word Origin
Greek
Original meaning: pipe or panpipe
Cultural Context
Can cause anxiety in people with needle phobias.
Syringes are highly regulated in English-speaking countries due to safety and health concerns.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the doctor
- I need an injection
- Is the syringe sterile?
- It will just be a quick prick
In a lab
- Measure the liquid
- Use the syringe
- Calibrate the tool
At home (diabetic care)
- Check the dose
- Use a clean syringe
- Dispose of the needle
In a pharmacy
- Do you sell syringes?
- I need a replacement
- Is this the right size?
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had to use a syringe?"
"Why do you think the syringe was such an important invention?"
"What comes to mind when you think of a syringe?"
"How do doctors make injections less painful?"
"Why is it important to use a new syringe every time?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to get a shot.
Describe the importance of medical tools in our lives.
If you were a doctor, what tools would you use most?
Reflect on how technology has improved healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, the needle is the sharp tip; the syringe is the whole device.
sih-RINJ.
Never reuse a syringe; it is dangerous.
Usually plastic or glass.
Most do, but some are used for oral medicine.
In a sharps container.
Yes.
To syringe (to wash out).
Test Yourself
The doctor used a ___ to give the medicine.
A syringe is the tool for medicine.
What is the plural of syringe?
Regular nouns ending in 'ge' add 's'.
A syringe is used to measure liquid.
Yes, it has measurement markings.
Word
Meaning
Matching terms to their definitions.
The nurse filled the syringe.
Score: /5
Summary
A syringe is a vital medical tool used for the precise delivery of medication.
- A syringe is a medical device for injecting or withdrawing fluids.
- It consists of a barrel, plunger, and needle.
- Always use a sterile, single-use syringe.
- The word comes from the Greek word for pipe.
Say It Right
Remember the soft 'j' sound at the end.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't call the whole tool a 'needle'.
Study Smart
Use flashcards with pictures of medical tools.
Cultural Insight
Syringes are associated with safety and hygiene.
Example
护士用注射器给病人打针。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
