capillarity

American  

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

noun

1. Also called capillary attraction.  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.

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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

Derived Forms

• noncapillarity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of capillarity

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

Example Sentences

As the proletariat is enabled to enjoy the prospect of rising it comes under the action of this law of social capillarity, and the birth-rate falls.

From The Task of Social Hygiene by Ellis, Havelock

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 Ward, H. Marshall

In its full extension the subject of capillarity is very wide.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various

This rising of the water is called capillarity.

From Agriculture for Beginners Revised Edition by Burkett, Charles William

Mr. Lake: But the capillarity of the soil provides water for the tree above the water-table.

From Northern Nut Growers Association, Report of the Proceedings at the Third Annual Meeting Lancaster, Pennsylvania, December 18 and 19, 1912 by Northern Nut Growers Association