What does pipetting mean?
Pipetting is the laboratory practice of using a pipette to draw up and transfer a measured quantity of liquid. It commonly refers to transferring small, precise volumes, although pipettes may also be used with larger quantities depending on the equipment. Accurate pipetting is important in chemistry, biology, medicine, and quality control because even a small measuring error can alter an experiment or contaminate a sample. The term can name the overall process, as in “improved pipetting technique,” or describe an action, as in “she spent the morning pipetting samples.” Although the word is broadly understood wherever laboratory work is performed, it is technical rather than ordinary and is most natural in scientific and professional contexts.
The act or process of using a pipette to draw up and transfer a measured quantity of liquid.
"The automated system reduced the amount of manual pipetting required."
Usually treated as an uncountable process noun; the plural is uncommon.
To draw up and transfer a measured quantity of liquid using a pipette.
"She is pipetting the solution into the prepared microplate."
Used primarily in laboratory and scientific contexts.
The noun is usually uncountable, so the plural is rare and normally refers to separate acts or rounds of pipetting.
"The technicians recorded the overnight pipettings in the laboratory notebook."
Pipetting turns a tiny laboratory tube into a precision instrument capable of measuring mere fractions of a millilitre.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pipetting come from?
The present participle and gerund “pipetting” were formed in English from “pipette.” The English noun “pipette” was borrowed from French, where it is a diminutive of “pipe,” ultimately referring to a narrow tube. Modern laboratory usage developed as the word came to denote both the instrument and the careful transfer of measured liquids.
Related word forms
How pipetting is actually used
This is primarily a technical term used in laboratories, clinical settings, and related scientific contexts. It is more precise than simply saying “transferring” when a pipette or measured volume is involved.
Easily confused with pipetting
A pipette is the narrow laboratory tube used to measure and transfer liquid, whereas pipetting is the action of using such a tube.