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

Recent Examples on the Web

Thanks to the larger surface area along the length of that thread, surface tension draws moisture outwards and spreads it out so that water can evaporate. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 5 Dec. 2024

Due to surface tension, water sticks to the gutter guard, following the curve into the gutter trough, while debris simply slides off the gutter guard. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024

In its place is the all-purpose flour tortilla, to which rehydrated sauces and stews adhere thanks to surface tension. —Nicola Twilley, WIRED, 11 Feb. 2020

Nature’s aversion to corners and straight edges might serve to save energy, the team writes in the paper, since forces like surface tension and elasticity end up smoothing out corners naturally. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

surface tension

noun

: the attractive force felt by surface molecules of a liquid from the molecules beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the mass of the liquid and makes the liquid take the shape having the least surface area

Medical Definition

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