siphon

/ˈsaɪfən/

/ˈsaɪfən/

Other forms: siphoned; siphoning; siphons

A siphon is a device used to move liquid from one container to the other. If you're giving your goldfish a magnificent new bowl, you can use a siphon to move the water from the old one to the new.

A siphon is a tube running from one container to another that uses gravity to cause liquid to flow. The key is that the container with the liquid has to be at a higher level than the container you’re moving the liquid to. You have to use force to start the initial flow, but after that gravity takes over. We also use siphon as a verb, for the process of emptying. An endless meeting might siphon off all your energy.

Definitions of siphon

1. noun

   a tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel so that atmospheric pressure forces the liquid through the tube
   synonyms: syphon

   type of:

   tube, tubing

   conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
2. noun

   a tubular organ in an aquatic animal (especially in mollusks) through which water can be taken in or expelled
   synonyms: syphon

   type of:

   organ

   a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function
3. verb

   convey, draw off, or empty by or as if by a siphon
   synonyms: siphon off, syphon

   type of:

   draw, take out

   take liquid out of a container or well
4. verb

   move a liquid from one container into another by means of a siphon or a siphoning action
   “siphon gas into the tank”

   type of:

   lay, place, pose, position, put, set

   put into a certain place or abstract location