siphon

siphon (sī`fən, –fŏn), tube through which a liquid is lifted over an elevation by the pressure of the atmosphere and is then emptied at a lower level. To start the siphon, it must first be filled with the liquid before it is placed into position. The elevation over which a siphon will lift a liquid is limited by the atmospheric pressure. At sea level, water may be lifted c.34 ft (10.4 m). The siphon must discharge at a level lower than that of the liquid at the intake.

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siphon, syphon

1. a tube placed with one end at a certain level in a vessel of liquid and the other end outside the vessel below this level, so that atmospheric pressure forces the liquid through the tube and out of the vessel

2. See soda siphon

3. Zoology any of various tubular organs in different aquatic animals, such as molluscs and elasmobranch fishes, through which a fluid, esp water, passes

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siphon [′sī·fən]

(botany)

A tubular element in various algae.

(engineering)

A tube, pipe, or hose through which a liquid can be moved from a higher to a lower level by atmospheric pressure forcing it up the shorter leg while the weight of the liquid in the longer leg causes continuous downward flow.

(geology)

A passage in a cave system that connects with a water trap.

(invertebrate zoology)

A tubular structure for intake or output of water in bivalves and other mollusks.

The sucking-type of proboscis in many arthropods.