capillarity

noun cap·il·lar·i·ty \ ˌka-pə-ˈler-ə-tē , -ˈla-rə- \

Definition of capillarity

plural capillarities

1 : the property or state of being capillary

2 : the 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 depending on the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid

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First Known Use of capillarity

1830

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Dictionary

capillarity

noun cap·il·lar·i·ty \ ˌkap-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē \

medical Definition of capillarity

plural capillarities

: the 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 depending on the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid