meniscus

(noun)

The curved surface of liquids in tubes, whether concave or convex, caused by the surface tension of the liquid.

Related Terms

Examples of meniscus in the following topics:

  • Capillary Action

    • When the lower end of a vertical glass tube is placed in a liquid, a concave meniscus forms.
    • The meniscus is the curve caused by surface tension in the upper surface of a liquid.
    • A convex meniscus occurs when the molecules have a stronger attraction to each other (cohesion) than to the material of the container (adhesion), causing the surface of the liquid to cave downward.
    • Conversely, a concave meniscus occurs when the molecules of the liquid are attracted to those of the container, causing the surface of the liquid to cave upwards.
    • The meniscus curve on a column of fluid in a capillary tube