capillarity

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: cap=il=lar=i=ty

CIDE DICTIONARY

capillarity, n. [Cf. F. capillarité.].

•  The quality or condition of being capillary.  [1913 Webster]
•  The peculiar action by which the surface of a liquid, where it is in contact with a solid (as in a capillary tube), is elevated or depressed; capillary attraction.  [1913 Webster]

  " Capillarity depends upon the relative attaction of the modecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid, and is especially observable in capillary tubes, where it determines the ascent or descent of the liquid above or below the level of the liquid which the tube is dipped; -- hence the name.<-- It is especially important in certain plants, to allow flow of water from the roots to upper parts-->"  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

capillarity, n. a phenomenon at liquid boundaries resulting in the rise or depression of liquids in narrow tubes. Also called capillary action.

Etymology

F capillarit{eacute} (as CAPILLARY)