siphon

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsʌɪf(ə)n/
(also syphon)

noun

  • a tube used to convey liquid upwards from a reservoir and then down to a lower level of its own accord. Once the liquid has been forced into the tube, typically by suction or immersion, flow continues unaided.
  • Zoology a tubular organ in an aquatic animal, especially a mollusc, through which water is drawn in or expelled.

verb

[with object]
  • draw off or convey (liquid) by means of a siphon: a piece of tubing was used to siphon petrol a gravel cleaner that removes detritus without siphoning off water
  • draw off or transfer over a period of time, especially illegally or unfairly: he’s been siphoning money off the firm

Derivatives

siphonage

noun

siphonal

adjective ( Zoology)

siphonic

Pronunciation: /-ˈfɒnɪk/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from French, or via Latin from Greek siphōn 'pipe'. The verb dates from the mid 19th century

Spelling help

Siphon can also be spelled syphon, with a y: both are correct.