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albarello

albarello

9.9
A tall ceramic jar with a narrow middle for holding ointments and dry medicines
  • noun
  • /ˌæl.bəˈrɛl.oʊ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : albarello
  • In ancient pharmacies, an albarello was often used to store various medicinal powders and herbs.

Examples

  • The collector admired the intricate designs on the albarello, a beautiful example of ceramic craftsmanship.

  • Albarello vase for theriac; Italy, 1641.

    Blog text (16)
  • The apothecary carefully placed the albarello on the shelf, filled with a fragrant herbal ointment.

Synonyms

jar
vsalbarello
207 1.0

A wide glass or clay container for storing food

is taller and waisted and used mainly for apothecary medicines
earthenware jar
vsalbarello
1 3.7

A jar made of baked clay used for storing food or liquids

is ceramic, taller, waisted, and used by apothecaries for ointments and dry drugs

How Decorative

urn
33 4.2
albarello
  • Archaic
9.9
vase
118 1.0

Surface Forms

albarello singular
albarelli plural

Etymology

Albarello comes from Italian and is linked to the Latin word albus, 'white', because these tall, waisted jars were often given a white glaze inside to protect ointments and powders. So albarello means a traditional pharmacy jar used to store medicines.