Pipet vs. Pipette — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
"Pipet" and "pipette" are often used interchangeably to describe a lab tool used for measuring and transferring liquid, with "pipette" being the more commonly used term.
Difference Between Pipet and Pipette
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The distinction between "pipet" and "pipette" is subtle and often overlooked, as both refer to laboratory instruments used to transport a measured volume of liquid. "Pipet" is an alternative spelling, less commonly used but still recognized, especially in North American English. It describes the same tools as "pipette" and is used in a similar context.
On the other hand, "pipette" is the more widely accepted spelling in both British and American English and is used more frequently in scientific literature and lab settings. The term "pipette" can also refer to more sophisticated devices with adjustable volumes, whereas "pipet" often refers to simpler, disposable types.
In terms of usage, "pipet" and "pipette" can often be found in both product descriptions and scientific protocols. Manufacturers and suppliers may use both terms to describe their products, implying no difference in function or design.
Both "pipet" and "pipette" derive from the French word "pipette," which in turn originates from the word "pipe." While "pipette" is standard in modern usage, "pipet" persists in certain academic and professional circles, suggesting a variance more in preference than in meaning.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Alternative, less common
More commonly accepted
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Usage
Primarily North American English
International English
Device Complexity
Often refers to simpler devices
May refer to both simple and complex devices
Recognition
Recognized in specific circles
Widely recognized in scientific literature
Product Description
Used interchangeably with "pipette"
Preferred term in product descriptions
Compare with Definitions
Pipet
A glass or plastic tube for drawing up fluids.
Dispose of the pipet in the proper container.
Pipette
A laboratory tool for precise measurement.
She calibrated the pipette for the experiment.
Pipet
An instrument for precise liquid handling.
With a pipet, she added the reagent.
Pipette
A device used to aspirate and dispense liquids.
He practiced using the pipette in lab class.
Pipet
A tube for measuring and transferring liquids.
He used a pipet to transfer the sample.
Pipette
A precision tool in biotechnology.
The scientist used a pipette for the DNA samples.
Pipet
A simple laboratory tool.
Fill the pipet to the marked line.
Pipette
An instrument for transporting a specific volume.
The protocol required a 10 µL pipette.
Pipet
A device used in chemistry labs.
Clean the pipet before using it again.
Pipette
A piece of equipment that can be adjusted for volume.
Set the pipette to the correct volume before starting.
Pipet
A narrow, usually calibrated tube into which small amounts of liquid are suctioned for transfer or measurement.
Pipette
A pipette (sometimes spelled pipet) is a laboratory tool commonly used in chemistry, biology and medicine to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as a media dispenser. Pipettes come in several designs for various purposes with differing levels of accuracy and precision, from single piece glass pipettes to more complex adjustable or electronic pipettes.
Pipet
Alternative form of pipette
Pipette
A narrow, usually calibrated tube into which small amounts of liquid are suctioned for transfer or measurement.
Pipet
Alternative form of pipette
Pipette
(sciences) A small tube, often with an enlargement or bulb in the middle, and usually graduated, used for transferring or delivering measured quantities of a liquid.
Pipet
Measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up into the tube
Pipette
To transfer or measure the volume of a liquid using a pipette.
Pipette
A small glass tube, often with an enlargement or bulb in the middle, and usually graduated, - used for transferring or delivering measured quantities.
Pipette
Measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up into the tube
Common Curiosities
Are "pipet" and "pipette" the same?
Yes, they generally refer to the same laboratory instrument.
Is "pipet" a correct spelling?
Yes, "pipet" is an accepted alternative spelling.
Can "pipet" be used interchangeably with "pipette"?
In most contexts, yes, they can be used interchangeably.
Is "pipette" more common than "pipet"?
Yes, "pipette" is more commonly used worldwide.
Is there a reason to use "pipet" over "pipette"?
The choice often comes down to regional spelling preference.
Can both "pipet" and "pipette" be autoclaved?
This depends on the material they are made from, not the spelling.
Can "pipet" be used as a verb?
Yes, it can be used as a verb meaning to transfer liquid with a pipet.
How do I know which term to use?
Use the term that is standard in the scientific literature or common in your region.
Do "pipet" and "pipette" have different functions?
No, they function in the same way in a laboratory setting.
Do "pipet" and "pipette" refer to disposable tools?
They can refer to both disposable and reusable tools.
Are there different types of "pipets/pipettes"?
Yes, there are various types, including manual and electronic.
Are "pipet" and "pipette" used in specific fields?
They are used in various scientific fields, including biology and chemistry.
Are "pipet" and "pipette" found in laboratory guides?
Yes, both terms may appear in laboratory manuals and guides.
Do "pipet" and "pipette" come in different sizes?
Yes, they are available in multiple sizes for different volumes.
Is the precision the same for "pipet" and "pipette"?
Yes, the precision is determined by the design, not the spelling.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
