suction pump

noun

1. a pump for raising water or other fluids by suction, consisting essentially of a vertical cylinder in which a piston works up and down, both the cylinder and the pump having valves that control the flow of the fluid.

suction pump

noun

1. a pump for raising water or other fluid by suction. It usually consists of a cylinder containing a piston fitted with a flap valve

Word History and Origins

Origin of suction pump¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

They are intended to protect sea turtles from being killed and maimed by the vacuum-like suction pumps of hopper dredges during the warmer months when female turtles lay their eggs on Southern beaches.

From Seattle Times

I stared at it stupidly for a few minutes, feeling the wind grow, and then something in my head said ‘suction pump’.

From Nature

Pink frothy liquid comes out of her lungs: Kamma, one of the nurses, wipes it away while her colleagues use a suction pump to try to get it out of her.

From Economist

Francis, with his interest in theory, had neglected to fasten securely the rubber tubing around his suction pump.

From Literature

Equipment will range from ultrasound machines and suction pumps to gauze and tubing.

From Washington Times