Recipiente

Recipiente is a general term used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to any object designed to contain something. A recipiente typically has a hollow interior and an opening that allows access to its contents, and it can be used to store, transport, mix, or measure substances. The concept covers a wide range of forms and sizes, from small jars to large tanks, and from everyday household objects to specialized laboratory vessels.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin recipiens, meaning receiving or taking back, and has been carried into Romance languages with a broad sense of containment. In everyday language, recipiente is often used interchangeably with envase or contenedor, though envase and contenedor are more common for packaging and storage in commerce, while recipiente emphasizes the object’s role as a container or vessel.

Materials and design: Recipientes are made from diverse materials, including glass, plastic, metal, ceramic, and wood. The choice of material depends on factors such as chemical compatibility, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and whether the contents need to be protected from light or air. Designs may feature lids, caps, corks, seals, or measuring marks, reflecting their specific function in storage, transport, or measurement.

Common uses: In households, recipientes store food, liquids, or small items. In industry and science, they serve as chemical containers, beakers, flasks, or storage tanks. In packaging, recipiente-like terms describe bottles, jars, and tubs that protect and present products for sale.

See also: container, vessel, packaging, bottle, jar.