eyedropper

An eyedropper is a small laboratory tool used to transfer a precise amount of liquid. It typically consists of a narrow glass or plastic tube with a squeezable rubber bulb at one end. When the bulb is compressed and then released while the tube is submerged in liquid, liquid is drawn into the tube by suction; releasing the bulb dispenses drops in a controlled manner. Eyedroppers vary in size and in whether they display measurement markings or rely on drop count. Common varieties include Pasteur pipettes (glass with a straight tube and a bulb) and plastic squeeze droppers used in laboratories, cosmetics, painting, and hobbyist applications. They are used to measure or transfer small volumes, calibrate reagents, and apply solutions to targets with minimal waste. Sterility and cleanliness are important to prevent contamination; glass droppers can be boiled to sterilize, while disposable droppers are designed for single use. After use, droppers should be cleaned and dried thoroughly; some liquids may be corrosive or reactive with certain plastics.

Digital or software eyedropper: In digital graphics, the eyedropper tool, also known as a color picker, samples color from an image. Clicking picks the color value of the chosen pixel, typically represented in RGB or hex. Some tools support additional color spaces, alpha transparency, and sampling modes (point, average, or region). The eyedropper helps ensure color consistency across designs.