Definition

Noun: A very narrow tube with a small internal diameter. It is characterized by its ability to hold or draw in a liquid through the physical phenomenon of capillary action.

Usage

This term is used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in physics, chemistry, engineering, and medicine, to describe a specific type of narrow conduit. It refers to the tube itself as an object or component.

Examples

• In the laboratory, capillary tubing is often used to collect small, precise samples of blood.
• The experiment demonstrated how water rises in capillary tubing due to adhesive and cohesive forces.
• The device uses a piece of glass capillary tubing to transfer the liquid reagent.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively (like an adjective) to specify the type of tube, as in "capillary tubing material" or "capillary tubing array."
• In chromatography, a capillary tubing column is a key component for separating chemical mixtures.

Variants and Related Words

• Capillary (noun): Often used synonymously with "capillary tubing," but can also refer specifically to the tiny blood vessels in biological organisms.
• Capillary tube: A common alternative term with the same meaning.
• Microtube: A more general term for a very small tube, which may or may not rely on capillary action.

Synonyms

• Capillary tube
• Microcapillary
• Fine-bore tube

Related Phrases

• Capillary action (or capillarity): The principle that explains how liquid moves through the tubing. This is the key functional concept associated with capillary tubing.
• Capillary flow: The movement of liquid within capillary tubing.

Noun

1. a tube of small internal diameter; holds liquid by capillary action