define laboratory

A laboratory (also known as a lab) is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. Laboratories are found in a variety of settings such as schools, universities, privately owned research institutions, corporate research and testing facilities, government regulatory and forensic investigation centers, physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, regional and national referral centers, and even occasionally personal residences.

Some common types of laboratories include:

* **Research laboratories:** These are typically found in universities, government agencies, and private companies. They are used to conduct basic and applied research in a variety of fields, such as physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and computer science.
* **Teaching laboratories:** These are found in schools and universities. They are used to teach students about the scientific method and to give them hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and procedures.
* **Quality control laboratories:** These are found in industrial settings. They are used to test the quality of products and materials.
* **Forensic laboratories:** These are used to investigate crimes and accidents. They analyze evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and bloodstains.
* **Medical laboratories:** These are found in hospitals and clinics. They are used to diagnose and treat diseases.

Laboratories are equipped with a variety of specialized equipment, such as microscopes, ovens, centrifuges, and computers. They also have safety features, such as fume hoods and eyewash stations, to protect the health of the people who work in them.

The term “laboratory” can also be used more broadly to refer to any place where experiments or tests are conducted. For example, a kitchen can be considered a laboratory for a cook who is experimenting with new recipes.