syphon

Other forms: syphons; syphoned; syphoning

A tube that's used to move liquid up and out of a container is known as a syphon. One way to remove water from a flooded basement is to use a powerful syphon.

The word syphon, also spelled siphon, comes from a Greek root meaning "pipe" or "tube for drawing wine from a cask." Syphons work using the power of gravity to pull liquid out of one container and into another. The word is also a verb, meaning "to move using a syphon." Figuratively, you can use it for other kinds of emptying, like when you syphon coins out of your brother's piggy bank.

Definitions of syphon

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: siphon

   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: siphon

   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, siphon off

   type of:

   draw, take out

   take liquid out of a container or well