capillarity

capillarity
    n 1: a phenomenon associated with surface tension and resulting
         in the elevation or depression of liquids in capillaries
         [syn: {capillarity}, {capillary action}]
    

Capillarity \Cap`il*lar"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. capillarit['e].]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. The quality or condition of being capillary.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Physics) The peculiar action by which the surface of a
      liquid, where it is in contact with a solid (as in a
      capillary tube), is elevated or depressed; capillary
      attraction.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: Capillarity depends upon the relative attaction of the
         modecules of the liquid for each other and for those of
         the solid, and is especially observable in capillary
         tubes, where it determines the ascent or descent of the
         liquid above or below the level of the liquid which the
         tube is dipped; -- hence the name.
         [1913 Webster]