Drinking straw

Drinking Straw

A drinking straw is a small pipe that allows its user to more conveniently consume a beverage. It is a device used for sipping liquid from a container.

Pronunciation

/driŋkɪŋ strɔː/

Etymology

The term "drinking straw" is derived from the words "drink", meaning to consume a liquid, and "straw", referring to the original material used to create these devices.

History

The first known straws were made by the Sumerians, and were used for drinking beer, probably to avoid the solid byproducts of fermentation that sink to the bottom. The oldest drinking straw in existence, found in a Sumerian tomb dated 3,000 B.C.E., was a gold tube inlaid with the precious blue stone lapis lazuli. Argentines and their neighbors used a metallic device called a Bombilla.

Modern Straws

Modern drinking straws are made of paper or plastic. They come in a variety of diameters and lengths, and are used in an assortment of drinks, from soft drinks to elaborate cocktails. Some straws are designed with a large diameter so they can be used to consume thicker drinks like smoothies or milkshakes, while others include a bendable section to make drinking more convenient.

Environmental Impact

Plastic straws have been targeted by environmentalists for causing pollution. Many restaurants and bars have stopped offering plastic straws due to environmental concerns, and some cities and states have banned them. Alternatives to plastic straws have become more popular, including paper, metal, and glass straws.

Related Terms

• Bombilla
• Cocktail
• Milkshake
• Smoothie

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Drinking straw
• Wikipedia's article - Drinking straw

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