surface tension

[ sur-fis ten-shuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the elasticlike force existing in the surface of a body, especially a liquid, tending to minimize the area of the surface, caused by asymmetries in the intermolecular forces between surface molecules.

surface tension

noun

1. a property of liquids caused by intermolecular forces near the surface leading to the apparent presence of a surface film and to capillarity, etc
2. a measure of this property expressed as the force acting normal to one side of a line of unit length on the surface: measured in newtons per metre Tγσ

surface tension

/ sûr′fəs /

1. A property of liquids such that their surfaces behave like a thin, elastic film. Surface tension is an effect of intermolecular attraction, in which molecules at or near the surface undergo a net attraction to the rest of the fluid, while molecules not near the surface are attracted to other molecules equally in all directions and undergo no net attraction. Because of surface tension, the surface of a liquid can support light objects (such as water beetles on the surface of a pond). Surface tension is responsible for the spherical shape of drops of liquid; spheres minimize the surface area of the drop and thus minimize surface tension.
2. See also capillary action

surface tension

1. The force exerted along the surface of a fluid that causes it to “bead up” and form into drops. Water has high surface tension and beads up easily; alcohol has low surface tension and does not often show droplets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surface tension¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The fact that her show is called “Surface Tension” makes clear that she understands and intends this reference.

From The Daily Beast

It depends upon the fact that bile acids lower surface tension.

From Project Gutenberg

His feet rested on nothing—and yet there was some sort of tension under him—like the surface tension of water.

From Project Gutenberg

On the moon, the surface tension of the ink was exactly the same as on earth, but the gravity was five-sixths less.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern physicist explains the phenomenon as due to surface-tension of the fluid.

From Project Gutenberg

This may be a tropism (stereotropism) or it may be a mere surface tension phenomenon.

From Project Gutenberg