capillarity

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

noun
  1. Also called capillary action; cap·il·lar·y at·trac·tion [kap-uh-ler-eeuh-trak-shuhn] /ˈkæp əˌlɛr i əˈtræk ʃən/ .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.

Origin of capillarity

1
First recorded in 1820–30; capillary + -ty2

Other words from capillarity

  • non·cap·il·lar·i·ty, noun

Words Nearby capillarity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use capillarity in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for capillarity

capillarity

/ (ˌkæpɪˈlærɪtɪ) /


noun
  1. 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 called: capillary action

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012