syphon

/ ˈsaɪfən /

noun

1. See siphon
   a variant spelling of siphon

Example Sentences

Smith was undoing and inspecting the parcels, having placed the syphon and fruit on the table.

From Project Gutenberg

By inserting a wooden rod and valve, this tube would be converted into a powerful syphon, or syringe.

From Project Gutenberg

A similar operation is carried out on the side of the tube to which the syphon tube is to be joined.

From Project Gutenberg

(c) Bent syphon tube, with pipette nozzle attached by means of rubber tubing and fitted with pinch-cock.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who are acquainted with the principle of the syphon will understand at once the working of such an arrangement as this.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Syphon

What does syphon mean?

A syphon is a tube or hose used to draw liquid or gas out of one container and into another using atmospheric pressure.

To move a liquid from one container to another, you can place your syphon, that is a tube bent into two unequal legs into each container. Put the shorter leg into the container with the liquid in it. Now put the longer leg into the empty container and put the empty container on a lower surface than the container with the liquid. You are syphoning the liquid from one container to another.

To syphon also has a figurative sense. If you syphon money from your employer’s bank account into your own, you are moving money from your employer’s account into yours. Of course, another term for this is stealing.

Syphon is an alternative spelling of siphon. You’ll see syphon used more often in British English than American, but both spellings are acceptable.

Example: You can syphon out the excess fluid using the pump provided.

Where does syphon come from?

The first records of the term syphon come from around 1675. It comes from the Greek sī́phōn, meaning “pipe” or “tube.” While not every tube can be used as a syphon, it is rare to find a syphon that works without tubing.

Syphons have a variety of uses and come in all shapes and sizes. Two of the most common types of syphons are used to remove water from a fish tank or to remove gasoline from a vehicle. While syphoning gas is usually illegal, it is also done by car dealerships and junkyards for safety purposes.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to syphon?

• siphon (alternative spelling)

What are some synonyms for syphon?

• drain
• funnel
• pump
• tap
• draw

What are some words that share a root or word element with syphon? 

• siphon
• siphonage
• siphon bottle

What are some words that often get used in discussing syphon?

• bottle
• gas
• liquid
• pressure
• tube

How is syphon used in real life?

While used less often than siphon, syphon is used to discuss the process of drawing a liquid or a gas out of something or of the tubing used to do so.

2017 Goals & Apocalypse Prep

• learn to drive stick
• learn to play the drums
• learn to fire and operate a gun
• learn to syphon gas

— Into It. Over It. (@intoitoverit) December 31, 2016

Just saw gas at $2.93 near the house… someone wanna come syphon the gas out of my tank so I can buy more?

— Thomas Silvers (@ThomasCSilvers) October 22, 2014

can someone syphon like 5% of Alan Jones’ confidence and pour it into my head #qanda

— Bec Shaw (@Brocklesnitch) February 9, 2015

 

 

Try using syphon!

Is syphon used correctly in the following sentence?

When my lawn mower ran out of gas, I carefully syphoned enough from my car to finish mowing the lawn.