beaker Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a flatbottomed jar made of glass or plastic; used for chemistry
  2. noun a cup (usually without a handle)

WordNet

Beak"er noun
Etymology
OE. biker; akin to Icel. bikarr, Sw. bägare, Dan. baeger, G. becher, It. bicchiere; -- all fr. LL. bicarium, prob. fr. Gr. wine jar, or perh. L. bacar wine vessel. Cf. Pitcher a jug.
Definitions
  1. A large drinking cup, with a wide mouth, supported on a foot or standard.
  2. An open-mouthed, thin glass vessel, having a projecting lip for pouring; -- used for holding solutions requiring heat. Knight.

Webster 1913