Siphonage (/ˈsaɪfənɪdʒ/) is the act of drawing liquid through a tube by means of a partial vacuum created by the suctioning force of atmospheric pressure. The word is spelled with a "ph" instead of an "f" because it originates from the Greek word "siphōn" (σίφων), which is also spelled with a "ph" and can be phonetically transcribed as /ˈsifon/. The "-age" ending indicates that "siphon" is being used as a noun, referring to the process or action of siphoning.
Siphonage is the process or action of siphoning, which involves the transfer of a liquid from one container to another by means of a flexible tube or pipe. It is a method of fluid transfer that relies on gravity and atmospheric pressure.
In siphonage, the liquid is initially filled in a higher container, known as the source vessel, and connected to a lower container, referred to as the receiving vessel, through a tube or pipe. The source vessel is then elevated, typically by raising one end, causing the liquid to flow from the higher container to the lower one due to the force of gravity. The key principle underlying siphonage is the difference in pressure between the two containers.
As the liquid descends, it creates a vacuum or partial vacuum in the tube or pipe, which is maintained by the atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid surface. This pressure difference allows the fluid to continue flowing until the levels equalize or until the source vessel is emptied.
Siphonage is commonly employed in various applications, such as emptying or transferring liquids from one container to another, draining water from an area, or even in certain scientific experiments. It is a simple and effective method for fluid transfer that relies on the natural properties of liquids and atmospheric pressure.
Washing out the stomach or other cavity by means of a siphon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "siphonage" is derived from the French word "siphon" which dates back to the early 17th century. "Siphon" itself comes from the Latin word "sipho" meaning "tube" or "pipe". The term "siphonage" refers to the action or process of siphoning, which involves the transfer of liquid from a higher level to a lower level using a pipe or tube.