siphon

IPA

Dictionary definition of siphon

To transfer or draw off liquid from one container or source to another by using a tube or pipe.
"The thief attempted to siphon petrol from the parked vehicles in the dark."

Detailed meaning of siphon

It involves creating a vacuum or pressure difference to initiate the flow of liquid from a higher level to a lower level. To siphon, one typically places one end of a tube or hose into the liquid source, while the other end is positioned at a lower level or into a receiving container. By creating suction or by ensuring the liquid level is higher than the destination, the liquid is drawn through the tube, allowing it to flow from the source to the target container. Siphoning is commonly used in various contexts, such as transferring fuel from one vehicle to another, draining water from a pool, or extracting fluids from a container without the need for pumps or machinery.

Example sentences containing siphon

1. The mechanic used a hose to siphon the old oil out of the car's engine.
2. The aquarium enthusiast carefully siphoned the debris from the fish tank to maintain water cleanliness.
3. The bartender used a specialized tool to siphon the cocktail mixture into a serving container.
4. The emergency response team worked to siphon water out of the flooded basement.
5. The farmer used a siphon to transfer water from the irrigation canal to the crops.
6. The DIY enthusiast siphoned paint from a large bucket into smaller containers for easier use.

History and etymology of siphon

The verb 'siphon' has an interesting etymology rooted in the Greek word 'siphon,' which means 'pipe' or 'tube.' The term 'siphon' was later borrowed into Latin as 'sipho,' still retaining its basic meaning of a tube or pipe. In English, 'siphon' was adopted from Latin, and it refers to the act of transferring or drawing off liquid from one container or source to another using a tube or pipe. The word's etymology highlights its association with the essential tool for this action—the tube or pipe itself—and reflects the practical nature of the concept, which has been employed for centuries to facilitate the movement of fluids in various contexts.

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Further usage examples of siphon

1. The campers used a flexible tube to siphon water from the nearby stream into their water bottles.
2. The mechanic explained how to siphon brake fluid from the master cylinder to facilitate maintenance.
3. The homebrewer employed a siphoning method to transfer the fermented beer into bottles for carbonation.
4. The pool cleaner utilized a siphon to remove leaves and debris from the swimming pool.
5. The environmentalist organized a beach cleanup, equipping volunteers with tools to siphon plastic waste from the shore.
6. They siphon water from the barrel into smaller buckets.
7. The mechanic had to siphon the fuel from the tank.
8. Thieves attempted to siphon gas from parked cars.
9. The machine is designed to siphon excess oil.
10. He needed to siphon some coolant from the radiator.
11. We'll siphon the liquid into a separate container.
12. To clean the fish tank, siphon the water carefully.
13. The farmer had to siphon water to irrigate the field.
14. They tried to siphon off funds from the organization.
15. Siphon the wine into a decanter for better aeration.
16. Using a hose, he began to siphon the flooded area.
17. She used a tube to siphon the air from the bottle.
18. It's essential to siphon off excess grease while cooking.
19. We'll siphon the syrup into smaller jars for storage.
20. The aquarium owner taught me how to siphon the tank.
21. Siphon some samples for testing before production.
22. They plan to siphon resources from other departments.
23. The oil spill required efforts to siphon it from the sea.
24. The thief attempted to siphon cash from the safe.
25. He knew how to siphon knowledge from every experience.