capillarity

[ kap-uh-lar-i-tee, -ler- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Also called capillary action;. Physics. a manifestation of surface tension by which the portion of the surface of a liquid coming in contact with a solid is elevated or depressed, depending on the adhesive or cohesive properties of the liquid.

capillarity

/ ˌkæpɪˈlærɪtɪ /

a phenomenon caused by surface tension and resulting in the distortion, elevation, or depression of the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid Also calledcapillary action

First recorded in 1820–30; capillary + -ty ²

The reaction is one of great chemical interest, being one of that class of reactions which is greatly affected by capillarity.

A rain drop's roundness is due to the action of capillarity.

The same circumstance is presented in the theory of electricity and in that of capillarity.

In a lamp, a small portion of oil is raised in the wick by capillarity, which being heated, boils and burns.

This results in active capillarity which brings water to the surface and it is lost by evaporation.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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