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

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

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

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