Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cup-shaped device that adheres by creating a partial vacuum: A "suction cup" is a device, typically made of rubber, glass, or plastic, shaped like a shallow cup. When its concave side is pressed against a smooth, non-porous surface, air is forced out, creating a region of lower air pressure (a partial vacuum) inside the cup. The higher external air pressure then pushes the cup firmly against the surface, allowing it to adhere.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I used a suction cup to hang the shower caddy on the tile wall.
  • The rescue device employed a large suction cup to lift the heavy glass panel.
  • The toy dart has a suction cup on its tip so it sticks to windows.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Medical Context: In medical procedures, specialized suction cups are used as part of devices like ventouse extractors to assist in childbirth by adhering to the baby's head.
  • The obstetrician applied the suction cup to assist with the delivery.

Variants and Related Words

• Suction Pad: A synonym often used interchangeably with "suction cup," sometimes implying a slightly different shape or a specific application.
  • The robot's gripper used a suction pad to lift the sheet of metal.

Synonyms

• Ventouse: A formal or medical term for a suction cup, especially in obstetric contexts.
• Sucker: An informal biological or zoological term for a similar adhering organ (e.g., on an octopus tentacle) or a simple suction device.

Related Phrases

• To form/create a suction: Describes the action that makes a suction cup work.
  • Make sure the surface is clean for the cup to form a proper suction.
• Suction grip/adhesion: Refers to the holding force provided by the vacuum effect.
  • The suction grip was strong enough to hold the GPS unit on the windshield.

Noun

1. a cup-shaped device (made of rubber, glass, or plastic) that produces a partial vacuum; used to adhere or draw something to a surface