Main Entry: ¹suc·tion

Pronunciation: \ˈsək-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin suction-, suctio, from Latin sugere to suck — more at suck

Date: 1626

1 : the act or process of sucking
2 a : the act or process of exerting a force upon a solid, liquid, or gaseous body by reason of reduced air pressure over part of its surface b : force so exerted
3 : a device (as a pipe or fitting) used in a machine that operates by suction

— suc·tion·al \-shə-n^əl, -shnəl\ adjective