capillarity
/ˌkæpəˈlɛrəti/
noun
- The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the help of external forces, such as gravity, often seen in thin tubes or between close surfaces.
- The gardener explained how capillarity helps water move through the soil to plant roots.
- Capillarity allows a paper towel to soak up a spilled drink.
- In science class, we observed capillarity by placing a thin straw in a glass of colored water.