| siphon [`sī·fǝn] BOTANY A tubular element in various algae. ENGINEERING A tube, pipe, or hose through which a liquid can be moved from a higher to a lower level by atmospheric pressure forcing it up the shorter leg while the weight of the liquid in the longer leg causes continuous downward flow. GEOLOGY A passage in a cave system that connects with a water trap. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY 1. A tubular structure for intake or output of water in bivalves and other mollusks. 2. The sucking-type of proboscis in many arthropods. |