Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Vase \Vase\ (v[=a]s or v[aum]z; 277), n. [F. vase; cf. Sp. & It.
   vaso; fr. L. vas, vasum. Cf. {Vascular}, {Vessel}.]
   1. A vessel adapted for various domestic purposes, and
      anciently for sacrificial uses; especially, a vessel of
      antique or elegant pattern used for ornament; as, a
      porcelain vase; a gold vase; a Grecian vase. See Illust.
      of {Portland vase}, under {Portland}.

            No chargers then were wrought in burnished gold, Nor
            silver vases took the forming mold.   --Pope.

   2. (Arch.)
      (a) A vessel similar to that described in the first
          definition above, or the representation of one in a
          solid block of stone, or the like, used for an
          ornament, as on a terrace or in a garden. See Illust.
          of {Niche}.
      (b) The body, or naked ground, of the Corinthian and
          Composite capital; -- called also {tambour}, and
          {drum}.

   Note: Until the time of Walker (1791), vase was made to rhyme
         with base,, case, etc., and it is still commonly so
         pronounced in the United States. Walker made it to
         rhyme with phrase, maze, etc. Of modern English
         practice, Mr. A. J. Ellis (1874) says: ``Vase has four
         pronunciations in English: v[add]z, which I most
         commonly say, is going out of use, v["a]z I hear most
         frequently, v[=a]z very rarely, and v[=a]s I only know
         from Cull's marking. On the analogy of case, however,
         it should be the regular sound.''

Source : WordNet®

vase
     n : an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to
         hold flowers