'phial' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'phialē' (φιάλη), where 'phialē' meant 'a broad bowl'.

'phial' changed from Late Latin 'phiala' and Old French 'fiole' (or 'fiole'), passed into Middle English, and eventually became the modern English word 'phial'.

Initially, it meant 'a broad bowl', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small vessel or vial for holding liquids'.