capillarity

American  

[kap-uh-lar-i-tee, -ler-] / ˌkæp əˈlær ɪ ti, -ˈlɛr- /

noun

1. Also called capillary attraction, 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.

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capillarity British  

/ ˌkæpɪˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. Also called: capillary action. 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

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Other Word Forms

• noncapillarity
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of capillarity

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

capillarity

Surface-energy is also expressed in the powerful attractions for water exhibited in imbibition, swelling, capillarity, absorption, surface tensions, etc.

From Disease in Plants by H. Marshall Ward

Boys' experiments in soap bubbles have been the inspiration of generations of students of capillarity.

From College Teaching Studies in Methods of Teaching in the College by Paul Klapper

Moreover, I must assume as known the chief physical properties of ordinary soils with respect to the phenomena of capillarity, absorption of heat, action of frost, and so forth.

From Disease in Plants by H. Marshall Ward

Professor Craig: That is a very difficult question, because it isn't settled at the present time what credit we should give to capillarity and what to root pressure in sap circulation.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Second Annual Meeting Ithaca, New York, December 14 and 15, 1911 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Note the rise of the water due to capillarity.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education

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