/
ˈsʌɪf(ə)n/
n.
- a tube used to convey liquid upwards from a container and then down to a lower level, the flow being forced initially by suction or immersion and maintained by the different fluid pressures at the tube openings.
- Zoology a tubular organ in an aquatic animal through which water is drawn in or expelled.
v.
- draw off or convey (liquid) by means of a siphon.
- draw off (small amounts of money) over a period of time, especially illicitly:
he's been siphoning money off the firm.
Derivative
- siphonage n.
- siphonal adj. (Zoology )
- siphonic
/-ˈfɒnɪk/
adj.
Etymology
ME: from Fr., or via L. from Gk siphōn ‘pipe’.