siphon
/ˈsɪfɒn/ · siph·on
noun
- A tube or pipe for drawing liquid from a cistern or other vessel, especially one that is partially filled with liquid and has one end lower than the other. The gardener used a siphon to remove water from the flooded flowerpot.
- A device that draws liquid from one container and delivers it to another, often using a partial vacuum. The laboratory used a siphon to transfer chemicals between beakers.
- A tube or pipe for drawing air or gas from one place to another, often used in engines or other machinery. The mechanic used a siphon to remove air from the engine's fuel system.
verb
- To draw or suck liquid from a container, especially by using a siphon. She siphoned the water from the cistern into a bucket.
- To draw or suck air or gas from one place to another, often using a siphon. He siphoned the air from the engine's fuel system to remove the blockage.
Did you know? The word 'siphon' is also the name of a popular cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and soda water, which is often served in a tall glass with a siphon-like straw.