capillarity

[ kap-uh-lar-i-tee, -ler- ]

noun

1. 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.

capillarity

/ ˌkæpɪˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. 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 Also calledcapillary action

Other Words From

• non·cap·il·lar·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of capillarity¹

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

Example Sentences

“They don’t have very good capillarity,” Olivier said.

From The New Yorker

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

From Project Gutenberg

Besides his contributions to optics, Young made distinct advances in connection with elasticity, and with surface-tension, or "capillarity."

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, no common liquid except mercury equals water in its power of capillarity.

From Project Gutenberg

At this remark I interrupted him: "You say the water in the ocean is being slowly transferred down to this underground lake less by gravity than by capillarity."

From Project Gutenberg