A bottle is a glass or plastic container. It is usually used to hold liquids or semi-liquids. It has a close-fitting cap that protects the contents from evaporation or spills. When choosing a bottle, it is important to consider its capacity. If the contents of the bottle are volatile compounds, it may be critical for them to remain in the container.
Bottles can come in a wide range of shapes. For example, round bottles offer a more comfortable dispensing experience, reducing hand fatigue. They also are ideal for maximum storage on a workbench. Square bottles, on the other hand, provide more space on the bench for work.
The term bottle is derived from Medieval Latin, boticula, which means “ass”. It was originally used to give liquids to infants. Nowadays, it is often used to describe a container with a rubber nipple, similar to a bottle.
The bottle itself is typically composed of four parts: the body, neck, rim, and finish. Each of these parts has a specific function. Most commonly, the body of the bottle is the largest part. The body contains the main content. In many cases, it is a solid structure that surrounds the neck and rim. Other common portions include the pushup, or opening, and the shoulder.
Finish is the final part of the bottle molding process. It is usually everything that is above the upper terminus of the neck. Some glassmakers use the term to refer to the entire finish. Others use it to refer to the lip, or the upper surface of the finish. While the definition of finish is confusing, it is generally considered to be the collar and lip of a bottle.
Finishes are important to the quality of a bottle. One type is called stippled. This type of finish concentrates abrasions on the high points of the container. Typically, a stippled finish masks scratches that may occur during handling. Stippling can also prevent a bottle from leaking.
Another form of stippled finish is spiral-shaped. It is designed to mesh with a screw-type closure. These types of finishes are also available in a curved shape. Usually, the rim is preferred over the lip.
Finishes vary from one manufacturer to the next. It is important to understand the differences between each type of finish.
Depending on the manufacturer, the top part of the finish may be referred to as a collar, ring, or lip. An alternative name for the ring is a neck. Similarly, the bottom part of the finish is often referred to as the heel.
Finally, there is a small projecting portion on the bottom of the bottle that is designed to act as a registration device for labeling equipment. There may be symbols on the bottom of the bottle that indicate the manufacturer of the product.
Many of the definitions in this article are from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Although it is an excellent resource, its examples do not represent the opinions of its publisher.
