A bottle is a container for liquids. These containers are made of either glass or plastic. In the case of glass, it is formed by blowing. Bottles may be shaped into various styles. Examples include Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.
An important aspect of the bottle is the finish. The finish is usually the upper part of the neck. It is also the part of the neck that is constrained. This part typically increases in size at the base of the finish. Sometimes the entire finish on the bottle is referred to as the “lip.”
A rim is a very small portion of the neck that is at the very top of the finish. Other parts of the neck are the base and the shoulder. For example, a Bordeaux bottle has straight sides and a curved shoulder.
The bottom of the bottle is usually recessed to provide a stable bearing surface for the outside edge. This area is often referred to as a notch. It is important that the artwork on the bottom of the bottle is applied to the same area on all bottles in the line.
Another term that is used to describe the finish is the’mouth’ of the bottle. Although there are several other parts of the bottle, the rim is the most prominent. Many authors have argued that the upper neck is a part of the finish.
There are several other common terms for the finish. However, the first definition that is generally used is the one on this site. Some of these terms may be more useful than others. Depending on the context, the terms can be confusing. So this page is often hyperlinked to explain the terminology.
Another term is the ‘heel’ of the bottle. This is the transition zone between the base and the body. The heel is often the last or lowest part of the bottle. The bottom of a PET bottle is not as good as a glass bottle at preventing water or air from entering. To prevent vapor permeation, the bottom of a PET bottle may be paneled.
The term ‘boticula’ is derived from the Medieval Latin word botija. It is a container that has a rubber nipple. It was originally used for giving infants liquids.
Similarly, the term ‘fiasco’ is derived from the Latin flasco. Fiasco is a general term that refers to a dismal flop.
Lastly, the ‘body’ of the bottle is the main content of the container. In the case of a narrow-necked bottle, the primary use is for holding liquids. Generally, the stopper on this type of bottle is close-fitting.
The term ‘bottle’ was also used in the 19th century for the ‘nerve’. But in the early 20th century, the term ‘bottle’ was primarily a slang term for a nerve, as in a ‘bottle nerve’.
If you are looking for more information on the various bottle features, you’ll find it on the Bottle Body & Mold Seams page. You can also check out the Finishes page.
