Dictionary
1siphon
noun si·phon \ˈsī-fən\
: a bent tube used to move a liquid from one container into another container by means of air pressure
Full Definition of SIPHON
1
a : a tube bent to form two legs of unequal length by which a liquid can be transferred to a lower level over an intermediate elevation by the pressure of the atmosphere in forcing the liquid up the shorter branch of the tube immersed in it while the excess of weight of the liquid in the longer branch when once filled causes a continuous flow b usually syphon : a bottle for holding aerated water that is driven out through a bent tube in its neck by the pressure of the gas when a valve in the tube is opened
2
: any of various tubular organs in animals and especially mollusks or arthropods that are used for drawing in or ejecting fluids
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Variants of SIPHON
si·phon also sy·phon \ˈsī-fən\
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Illustration of SIPHON
Origin of SIPHON
French siphon, from Latin siphon-, sipho tube, pipe, siphon, from Greek siphōn
First Known Use: 1659
Rhymes with SIPHON
2siphon
verb
: to move (a liquid) from one container to another by using a siphon
: to take and use (something, such as money) for your own purpose
si·phoned also sy·phonedsi·phon·ing also sy·phon·ing \ˈsī-fə-niŋ, ˈsīf-niŋ\
Full Definition of SIPHON
transitive verb
: to convey, draw off, or empty by or as if by a siphon —often used with off
intransitive verb
: to pass by or as if by a siphon
See siphon defined for English-language learners
Variants of SIPHON
siphon also syphon
First Known Use of SIPHON
1859
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
SIPHON[1] Defined for Kids
1siphon
noun si·phon \ˈsī-fən\
Definition of SIPHON for Kids
1
: a bent pipe or tube through which a liquid can be drawn by air pressure up and over the edge of a container
2
: a tubelike part especially of a mollusk (as a clam) usually used to draw in or squirt out water
2siphon
verb
si·phonedsi·phon·ing
Definition of SIPHON for Kids
: to draw off by or as if by a siphon
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