How Do You Spell CAPILLARY ATTRACTION?

Pronunciation: [kˈapɪləɹi ɐtɹˈakʃən] (IPA)

Capillary attraction refers to the force of attraction that draws liquid upwards in small spaces, such as thin tubes or plant stems. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as kæpɪlɛri əˈtrækʃən. The "c" is pronounced as "k" because it follows the short vowel sound "a". The "y" is pronounced as "i" because it follows the consonant "p". The stress is on the third syllable ("traction") and the ending "-ary" is pronounced as "-eri".

CAPILLARY ATTRACTION Meaning and Definition

1. Capillary attraction refers to the phenomenon where liquids are drawn upwards in narrow tubes or spaces against the force of gravity. This phenomenon is primarily observed in capillary tubes, which are thin and narrow channels or openings. The term "capillary" is derived from the Latin word "capillaris" meaning "hair-like," reflecting the small size of these tubes.

   Capillary attraction occurs due to the combination of two forces: adhesion and cohesion. Adhesion refers to the attraction between molecules of different substances, while cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance. In the context of capillary attraction, adhesion describes the attraction between the liquid molecules and the inner surface of the capillary tube, while cohesion refers to the attraction between the water molecules themselves.

   When a liquid, such as water, comes into contact with a capillary tube, the adhesive forces between the liquid and the tube walls are greater than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules. As a result, the liquid is pulled upwards, defying gravity. This upward movement is due to the cohesive forces pulling adjacent liquid molecules along.

   Capillary attraction plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the absorption of water through the roots of plants or the movement of blood through the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in animals. It is also involved in technologies like inkjet printers and paper chromatography, where the movement of liquid is controlled by capillary forces.

2. The force which causes fluids to rise through very fine tubes or the pores of a loose material.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. That power which causes liquids to rise in small tubes or porous substances.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CAPILLARY ATTRACTION

• capillary attractioo
• capiellaryattraction
• c apillary attraction
• capi llary attraction
• capil lary attraction
• capill ary attraction
• capilla ry attraction
• capillar y attraction
• capillary a ttraction
• capillary at traction
• capillary att raction
• capillary attr action
• capillary attra ction
• capillary attrac tion
• capillary attract ion
• capillary attracti on
• capillary attractio n

Etymology of CAPILLARY ATTRACTION

The word "capillary" comes from the Latin word "capillaris", which means "of or pertaining to hair" or "like a hair". This term refers to the tiny, hair-like tubes or vessels in the body, such as the capillaries connecting arteries and veins. The word "attraction" is derived from the Latin word "attrahere", meaning "to draw, pull, or attract". When combined, "capillary attraction" refers to the phenomenon of fluids rising or being drawn into narrow spaces or tubes, resembling the way a hair seemingly defies gravity by drawing liquid upward.

Plural form of CAPILLARY ATTRACTION is CAPILLARY ATTRACTIONS