siphon Definition

siphon
syphon
noun

1. A tube held in an inverted U-shape that can be used to transfer liquid from one container at a higher level into another at a lower level, used to empty car petrol tanks, etc.
2. A bottle from which a liquid, especially soda water, is forced by pressure of gas.

Form: soda siphon (in full)
3. zool.
In certain animals, eg bivalve molluscs: an organ resembling a tube through which water flows in and out.

verb siphoned, siphoning

1. To transfer (liquid) from one container to another using such a device.
2. To take (money, funds, etc) slowly and continuously from a store or fund.

Etymology: 17c: Greek, meaning ‘pipe'.