surface tension
noun
: the attractive force exerted upon the surface molecules of a liquid by the molecules beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the bulk of the liquid and makes the liquid assume the shape having the least surface area
Examples of surface tension in a Sentence
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One way to make a reflective display is to alter the surface tension of liquid pixels.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2013
The surface tension of elemental mercury is so high that the liquid beads up rather than puddling and doesn’t cling to much of anything, ceaselessly vacuuming into itself.
—Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
So, inspired by the surface tension of a liquid droplet, the scientists created a variable-stiffness wheel that can overcome rough terrain and obstacles while maintaining the advantages of a regular wheel driving on flat ground.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Counterintuitively, this is particularly true after a long drought — soil that is well-hydrated (but not saturated) is able to quickly conduct water downward because of surface tension, while the same process can take more than 100 times longer in parched soil.
—Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2013
The surface tension of elemental mercury is so high that the liquid beads up rather than puddling and doesn’t cling to much of anything, ceaselessly vacuuming into itself.
—Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
So, inspired by the surface tension of a liquid droplet, the scientists created a variable-stiffness wheel that can overcome rough terrain and obstacles while maintaining the advantages of a regular wheel driving on flat ground.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Counterintuitively, this is particularly true after a long drought — soil that is well-hydrated (but not saturated) is able to quickly conduct water downward because of surface tension, while the same process can take more than 100 times longer in parched soil.
—Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for surface tension
Cite this Entry
“Surface tension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surface%20tension. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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