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Jar

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A jar is a useful, hard container. It is often shaped like a cylinder. Some jars look like a cone. Most jars are made of glass, plastic, or ceramic. They have a wide mouth or opening. This makes it easy to put things inside. You can close them with many different tools. You might use a lid or a screw cap. Some use a cork stopper or a metal lid.

Jar of yeast extract
Jar of yeast extract

Jars work in many ways to hold items. They can hold solids that are too big for a bottle. They also hold thick liquids that are hard to pour. This includes foods, cosmetics, or even medicines. Some jars are used for home canning. A mason jar is a common type used for this. You can also use a Kilner jar. These use a rubber seal to stay closed.

People have used jars for a very long time. The word "jar" comes from the Arabic word jarra. This word means an earthen pot or vessel. Ancient people used large ceramic jars. One type is called an amphora. These usually hold less than 50 liters. Another type is called a pithos. These are huge and can hold hundreds of liters. Some say Pandora's Box was actually a pithos.

There are many specific kinds of jars today. An apothecary jar is used to store medicine. A bell jar is used in science labs to make a vacuum. Some jars are made for specific foods. Paragon jars are tall and narrow for olives. Economy jars are wide for things like mayonnaise. There are even small spice jars. Some jars are shaped like a hexagon. Others are shaped like a small cube.

Jar of yeast extract
Jar of yeast extract

Jars are part of our daily lives. You might see a cookie jar in a kitchen. You might see a specimen jar in an anatomy lab. Some jars are even used for art. You can clean utility jars in a pressure cooker. Some glass jars can even go in the microwave. In some places, you can return a jar to a store. You get a deposit back for it. This helps people recycle the material.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Jar of yeast extract.jpg
Jar of yeast extract.jpg
Christian Dorflinger - Candy Jar -...
File:色絵花鳥文八角大壺 有田焼 ・ 柿右衛門様式-Hexagonal jar with Flower and Bird Decoration (one of a pair) MET DP281207.jpg
色絵花鳥文八角大壺 有田焼 ・ 柿右衛門様式-Hexagonal jar with...
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