vessel
/ˈvesl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈvesl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈve-səl/ (ame, mw)
vessel — noun
- vesselsingular
- vesselsplural
1. a large water vehicle designed to move people or goods across oceans, seas, or r
a large water vehicle designed to move people or goods across oceans, seas, or rivers
The cargo vessel left the port of Kaohsiung early this morning with electronics.
collocation: cargo vessel / passenger vessel / naval vessel
Mateo spent two years working on a fishing vessel off the coast of Alaska.
The naval vessel was one of the largest warships ever built in South Korea.
All passengers were safely rescued after the vessel began taking on water near the reef.
The research vessel sailed from Keelung to study ocean currents near the Philippines.
文法句型
vessel + for + [purpose]
vessel + of + [type]
用法筆記
More formal than 'boat' or 'ship'. Commonly used in official reports, maritime contexts, and news articles about sea travel or shipping.
常見錯誤
2. an object shaped to hold liquid, usually broad at the top and curved along the s
an object shaped to hold liquid, usually broad at the top and curved along the sides — common examples include bowls, cups, pots, and jugs
Ritu poured the hot tea into a ceramic vessel shaped like a lotus flower.
collocation: ceramic vessel / glass vessel / clay vessel
Archaeologists found several clay vessels filled with grain inside the old tomb.
The chemist stored the acid in a thick glass vessel with a sealed lid.
Drinking vessels at the wedding were made of hammered copper with engraved names.
Cook the sauce in a metal vessel over medium heat for about ten minutes.
文法句型
vessel + for + [liquid/use]
vessel + of + [material]
用法筆記
Often used in historical, archaeological, or formal contexts. In everyday conversation, words like 'bowl', 'cup', 'pot', or 'container' are more common.
常見錯誤
3. any of the tube-shaped structures inside a human or animal body that carry blood
any of the tube-shaped structures inside a human or animal body that carry blood, lymph, or other fluids between organs and tissues
Dr. Okafor warned Mr. Suzuki that his smoking habit had already narrowed several blood vessels in his heart.
pattern: narrowed + blood vessel + in + [body part] — concrete medical context
Stéphanie could see tiny blue blood vessels near the surface of her wrist.
The surgeon carefully repaired the damaged vessel that supplied blood to the brain.
Nkechi cut her finger in the kitchen, nicking a small blood vessel that bled heavily.
Diabetes can narrow the small vessels in the eyes and cause vision problems.
文法句型
blood vessel
lymph vessel
vessel + in + [body part]
用法筆記
When the meaning is clear from context, native speakers often drop 'blood' and say just 'vessel', especially in medical settings. The three main types are arteries, veins, and capillaries.
常見錯誤
4. a person seen as carrying or representing a particular quality, message, or spir
a person seen as carrying or representing a particular quality, message, or spiritual purpose — for example, being described as a vessel of kindness or a vessel for social change
Many people saw the young activist as a vessel of hope for the community.
pattern: vessel + of + [abstract quality]
The artist believed she was simply a vessel through which creativity flowed.
pattern: vessel through which [something] flows
In the novel, the orphan girl becomes a vessel for the spirit of her grandmother.
Reverend Okonkwo described the teacher as a chosen vessel for spreading education.
文法句型
vessel + of + [quality]
vessel + for + [purpose]
用法筆記
Almost always used in formal, literary, or religious writing. The person is typically described not as themselves but as a channel for something greater. Common in phrases like 'vessel of grace', 'vessel of wrath', or 'chosen vessel'.