Suction

/ˈsʌkʃən/ · noun

Meaning

(physics) A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first..

Definitions by Sense

1. (physics) A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first.
2. (physics) A force holding two objects together because the pressure in the space between the items is lower than the pressure outside that space.
3. The process of creating an imbalance in pressure to draw matter from one place to another.
4. (dentistry) A device for removing saliva from a patient's mouth during dental operations, a saliva ejector.
5. (informal) influence; "pull".
6. To create an imbalance in pressure between one space and another in order to draw matter between the spaces.
7. To draw out the contents of a space.

Example Sentences

The first-named group — the insects that live by suction — include the scale insects, aphides, and sucking bugs[…]

He's got some kind of suction with the Mayor's office.

Synonyms for suction

Antonyms for suction

Related Words

Word Forms

• suctions
• suctioning
• suctioned

Usage Notes

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