from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Beaker \Beak"er\ (b[=e]k"[~e]r), n. [OE. biker; akin to Icel.
bikarr, Sw. b[aum]gare, Dan. baeger, G. becher, It.
bicchiere; -- all fr. LL. bicarium, prob. fr. Gr. bi^kos wine
jar, or perh. L. bacar wine vessel. Cf. {Pitcher} a jug.]
1. A large drinking cup, with a wide mouth, supported on a
foot or standard.
[1913 Webster]
2. An open-mouthed, thin glass vessel, having a projecting
lip for pouring; -- used for holding solutions requiring
heat. --Knight.
[1913 Webster]