Word: Capillary Tubing
Definition:Capillary tubing is a type of small, thin tube that has a very small internal diameter. It is designed to hold liquids, using a natural process called capillary action, which allows the liquid to move through the tube without the help of gravity.
Usage Instructions: - When to use: You would use the term “capillary tubing” when discussing scientific experiments, medical applications, or any situation where small amounts of liquid need to be moved or measured precisely. - How to use: You can say "The scientist used capillary tubing to transfer the liquid from one container to another."
Example Sentence: "The capillary tubing allowed the dye to travel upwards against gravity, demonstrating an important principle of fluid dynamics."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, capillary tubing is often used in laboratories for precise measurements or in medical devices for blood sampling. You might encounter phrases like "capillary action" in scientific discussions, which refers to the ability of liquids to flow in narrow spaces without external forces.
Word Variants: - Capillary (adjective): Relating to capillaries or small tubes. For example, "capillary blood vessels." - Tubing (noun): Refers to a broader category of tubes, not necessarily capillary in size.
Different Meanings:While the term "capillary" can refer to small blood vessels in the body, "capillary tubing" specifically refers to the small tubes used in scientific and medical contexts.
Synonyms: - Small-diameter tube - Microtube - Capillary pipe
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "capillary tubing," as it is a specific technical term. However, you might hear phrases like "draw up" when referring to drawing liquid into a capillary tube.