Phial is commonly used in medical or scientific settings to refer to small glass containers. The scientist carefully labeled each phial containing the chemical samples.
Pro Tip 2/3
Small Quantities
Phials are typically used to hold small quantities of liquids, not large volumes. The perfume came in a tiny phial, just enough for a few applications.
Pro Tip 3/3
Literal and Figurative
Besides holding liquids, 'phial' can metaphorically imply containing something precious or potent. His words were like a phial of hope in despairing times.