flask
noun
[ flɑːsk ]
• a container for liquids.
• an extremely strong lead-lined container for transporting or storing radioactive nuclear waste.
• short for powder flask.
Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘cask’): from medieval Latin flasca . From the mid 16th century the word denoted a case of horn, leather, or metal for carrying gunpowder. The sense ‘glass container’ (late 17th century) was influenced by Italian fiasco, from medieval Latin flasco . Compare with flagon.
