suction

[ suhk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act, process, or condition of sucking. sucking.
2. the force that, by a pressure differential, attracts a substance or object to the region of lower pressure.
3. the act or process of producing such a force.

verb (used with object)

1. to draw out or remove by aspiration.

suction

/ ˈsʌkʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of sucking
2. the force or condition produced by a pressure difference, as the force holding a suction cap onto a surface
3. the act or process of producing such a force or condition

suction

/ sŭk′shən /

1. A force acting on a fluid caused by difference in pressure between two regions, tending to make the fluid flow from the region of higher pressure to the region of lower pressure.
2. The act of reducing pressure to create such a force, as by the use of a pump or fan.

Derived Forms

• ˈsuctional, adjective

Other Words From

• suction·al adjective
• non·suction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suction¹

1605–15; < Late Latin sūctiōn- (stem of sūctiō ) a sucking, equivalent to Latin sūct ( us ) (past participle of sūgere to suck ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of suction¹

C17: from Late Latin suctiō a sucking, from Latin sūgere to suck

Example Sentences

Now, scientists have discovered that its skull was adapted to allow Tiktaalik to use both suction and biting while feeding.

From Popular-Science

There are few bells and whistles—it’s pretty much an upright without any tools or attachments, and you have to empty the bin and clean the filter regularly to maintain the suction power.

From Popular-Science

With an under $150 vacuum, you should expect a significantly shorter battery life, smaller bins, and less suction power.

From Popular-Science

This one’s the better pickup over the similarly priced V7 since it comes with two extra attachments, a boost in suction power, and 10 extra minutes of run time.

From Popular-Science

There are a variety of colors to choose from and, best of all, once you pick your colors you can find matching divided suction plates and changing mats.

From Popular-Science

The Department issued orders banning both mohelim from practicing direct oral suction.

From The Daily Beast

The tube was to be inserted so it could suction out the blood and air packed in the chest and prevent the lung from collapsing.

From The Daily Beast

As the clock struck twelve he gave the signal at which the large suction-pump was to be set in motion.

From Project Gutenberg

And always the usual work of the suction-pumps went on, those pumps now fixed to this great reservoir of millions.

From Project Gutenberg

The first and second lead precipitates were filtered by suction and washed with water.

From Project Gutenberg

In the storerooms above the electric engine room there was one 3-inch suction.

From Project Gutenberg

Each pump had suction and discharge pipes of 29-inch bore, and was driven by a compound engine.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consumption
• digestion
• intake
• penetration
• retention
• saturation