suction

¹suc·tion

noun \ˈsək-shən\

Definition of SUCTION

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

Examples of SUCTION

1. The vacuum cleaner picks up dirt by suction.
2. The octopus grasps things using suction.
3. a vacuum cleaner with enough suction to pick up the heaviest particles of dirt

Origin of SUCTION

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

First Known Use: 1626

Rhymes with SUCTION

fluxion, ruction