Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. The drawing of a liquid (often against gravity) into or up narrow interstices due to surface tension
WordNet
n. a phenomenon associated with surface tension and resulting in the elevation or depression of liquids in capillaries [syn: capillarity]
Wikipedia
Capillary action (sometimes capillarity, capillary motion, or wicking) is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the drawing up of liquids between the hairs of a paint-brush, in a thin tube, in porous materials such as paper and plaster, in some non-porous materials such as sand and liquefied carbon fiber, or in a cell. It occurs because of intermolecular forces between the liquid and surrounding solid surfaces. If the diameter of the tube is sufficiently small, then the combination of surface tension (which is caused by cohesion within the liquid) and adhesive forces between the liquid and container wall act to propel the liquid.
Capillary Action was an American avant-rock/experimental music group formed at Oberlin College in 2004 by Philadelphia native Jonathan Pfeffer, the group's sole constant member, and active until 2012.
Capillary Action's self-described “confrontational cubist-pop” was characterized by an unusual blend of acoustic timbres; complex, constantly shifting meter; and Pfeffer’s 12-tone and Philly soul-inspired baritone vocals. The lyrics often employed autobiographical themes to critique power structures. Pfeffer cites Tropicália, Dizzee Rascal, Tim Buckley, the Batman Forever soundtrack, Need New Body, Joe Matt, the Minutemen, Converge, Ornette Coleman, and Scott Walker as major influences.
The group performed extensively across North America and Europe alongside Joe Lally, The USA Is a Monster, The Max Levine Ensemble, Už jsme doma, Lightning Bolt, Dirty Projectors, Deerhoof, Les Claypool, Rhys Chatham, Shudder to Think, and Dos, among others.
In 2009, Boston Phoenix named Capillary Action the Best New Band from New York, likening the group to "Both Elvises in a serious Burt Bachawreck with the Mothers of Invention".[3]
In 2011, Capillary Action performed at Willisau, Incubate, Primavera, Pop Revo, and Rumor Festivals.
Usage examples of "capillary action".
Drawn by the instant capillary action of his myriad thirsting fibres, it soaked into him, filled his desiccated pores and veins, his spongy organs and yawning, aching alveolate bones.
We're talking about billions of living cells, an extraordinarily complex venous and arterial network, capillary action, of interfacing tendons and bones, of assuring red blood cell manufacture, of natural articulation and sensitivity of arm and hand hairs for kinesthetic sensing, of temperature measuring devices nature pre-pares for all parts of the body.
At night he might kiss its covers and sleep with it beneath his head, as though its inconceivable wisdom might seep by capillary action into his brain.
I learned much about the strange properties of water, how the solid state is lighter than the liquid state, how with capillary action it seems to defy gravity, how it conducts light.
The nonabsorbent synthetic layers convey moisture to the absorbent outer layer via capillary action, so that the feet remain relatively dry.
The wind blew the rain through the gaps, and then the natural capillary action of the paper in the corrugated paper cartons soaked it up like a blotter.
Not about the raw material of life: the muscle structure of angels' wings, the capillary action involved in focusing a gimlet gaze.
Interestingly, too, it is well known that far below the Sphinx is an underground watertable which has been constantly replenished since times immemorial by capillary action from the Nile.
Instead, it soaked it in, and capillary action drew it into a big, disgusting blot.
Maybe since hangovers are caused by dehydration water is drawn into the brain by a form of capillary action.
The wick soaks up the molten wax through capillary action, just as a paper towel soaks up water.
Drawn upward more by capillary action than actual will, he climbed the stairs.
He was supposed to observe how water in a glass bottle behaved in a weightless state and whether or not capillary action was altered.