noun
definition
The interaction between the surfaces of a solid and liquid in contact that distorts the normal geometry of the liquid surface; especially the rise or fall of a liquid in a fine tube.
Examples of capillarity in a Sentence
Not only does water move upwards, but it is transferred by capillarity in all directions through the soil.
It tends to improve the tilth and the capillarity of the soil by binding sands together somewhat and by opening up clays.
If a number of small enough holes be drilled through a solid substance which is not wetted by the liquid, our knowledge of the phenomena of capillarity shows us that it needs pressure to force the liquid into the holes.
In its full extension the subject of capillarity is very wide.
Capillarity and Surface Tension.-Reference should be made to the article Capillary Action for the general discussion of this phenomenon of liquids.
Above the "water-table" the water is held by capillarity, and the percentage of water held decreases as we approach the surface where there may be perfect dryness.
Water will rise in clay by capillarity to a height of 50 in., in sand to as in.