ampulla, ae, f. amb- and olla, as having handles on both (opposite) sides, or an irreg. dim. of amphora. A vessel for holding liquids, furnished with two handles and swelling in the middle, a flask, bottle, jar, pot, etc. (also made of leather), Plaut. Merc. 5, 2, 86; id. Pers. 1, 3, 44; Cic. Fin. 4, 12 al.—* Prob. on account of its shape, like λήκυθος, of inflated discourse, swelling words, bombast: proicit ampullas et sesquipedalia verba, * Hor. A. P. 97; cf. Cic. Att. 1, 14, and ampullor.