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capillarity

noun
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cap·​il·​lar·​i·​ty | \ ˌka-pə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce capillarity (audio) , -ˈla-rə-\
plural capillarities

Definition of capillarity

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

Examples of capillarity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But dispersion is caused by its capillarity — the surface tension effect that makes some liquids rise in straws. — Quanta Magazine, "Famous Fluid Equations Are Incomplete," 21 July 2015 In most fluids, capillarity is negligible compared to viscosity. — Quanta Magazine, "Famous Fluid Equations Are Incomplete," 21 July 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'capillarity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of capillarity

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for capillarity

The first known use of capillarity was in 1830

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More Definitions for capillarity

capillarity

noun
cap·​il·​lar·​i·​ty | \ ˌkap-ə-ˈlar-ət-ē How to pronounce capillarity (audio) \
plural capillarities

Medical Definition of capillarity

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on capillarity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capillarity

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