- (French ''vaisseau'', from a rare Latin ''vascellum'', diminutive of ''vas''), a word of somewhat wide application for many objects such as ''vas differens'', the meaning common to them being capacity to hold or contain something.
- Thus it is a general term for any utensil capable of containing liquids, and for those tubular structures in Anatomy , such as the Arteries , Vein s or Lymphatics , which contain, secrete or circulate the Blood or Lymph . Organs or structures which are largely supplied with vessels are said to be ''vascular'' (Latin ''vasculum'', another diminutive of ''vas'').
- (as in French ''vaisseau'') is also a general term for all craft capable of floating on water larger than a rowing Boat , such as Ships .
- A Pressure Vessel is a vessel that is subject to either internal or external pressure. This definition generally includes Air Receiver s, Heat Exchanger s, Evaporator s, Steam Type Steriliser s and Autoclave s.
A metaphorical vessel, especially in pre Twentieth Century usage, is also a term for a person:
- who, like a bottle, is a means of delivery with relatively little independent significance, ''e.g.'', a "chosen vessel" regarded as the recipient of some Divine Dispensation , or
- "contains" some quality in abundance, ''e.g.'', a " Vessel Of Wrath " or "vessel of iniquity"
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