noun
siphon
SEYE-fuhn
Siphon (noun) means a bent tube that uses pressure and gravity to move liquid from one container to a lower one. Example: “He used a siphon to drain fuel from the tank.”
noun
1
A bent tube that uses pressure and gravity to move liquid from one container to a lower one.
"He used a siphon to drain fuel from the tank."
verb
1
To draw off liquid, or by extension money or resources, gradually and often secretly.
"The accountant was siphoning funds from the company for years."
How to use siphon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tube for moving liquid using gravity, or figuratively, quietly draining money or resources away.
Common pairings
siphon fuel
siphon money
siphon off
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Word forms
- Plural
- siphons
- Third person singular
- siphons
- Past tense
- siphoned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He used a _____ to drain fuel from the tank.
Etymology
From Greek σίφων (síphōn, "pipe, tube"), via Latin and Old French.
Synonyms
View more →
syphon
siphon off
Frequently asked questions
What does “siphon” mean?
The word “siphon” means a bent tube that uses pressure and gravity to move liquid from one container to a lower one. In plain terms, a tube for moving liquid using gravity, or figuratively, quietly draining money or resources away.
How do you pronounce “siphon”?
“Siphon” is pronounced SEYE-fuhn (/ˈsaɪfən/ in IPA).
How do you use “siphon” in a sentence?
Here is “siphon” used in a sentence: “He used a siphon to drain fuel from the tank.”
What part of speech is “siphon”?
Depending on how it is used, “siphon” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “siphon” come from?
The word “siphon” comes from Latin. From Greek σίφων (síphōn, "pipe, tube"), via Latin and Old French.
How many meanings does “siphon” have?
“Siphon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bent tube that uses pressure and gravity to move liquid from one container to a lower one.
