'vial' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'viail' or 'vial', which came via Old French from Late Latin 'phiala' (from Greek 'phiale').

'vial' changed from Old French words such as 'fiole'/'viole' (and Middle English 'viail'), which in turn derived from Late Latin 'phiala' and Greek 'phiale', eventually becoming the modern English word 'vial' (plural 'vials').

Initially, it meant 'shallow bowl' or a broad open vessel (from Greek 'phiale'), but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'a small bottle or container for liquids and samples.'