# meniscus

/mˈɛnɪskəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meniscus
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a curved surface of a liquid in a container. It can be shaped like a U or a V, depending on how the liquid sticks to the glass.

For teachers: the curved upper surface of a liquid in a container, formed by the liquid's surface tension and its adhesion to the container walls. Often used in scientific measurements to determine the volume of a liquid.

## Examples

- You should read the level of the liquid at the bottom of the meniscus.
- When measuring the volume of water in a graduated cylinder, the technician looked at the bottom of the meniscus to ensure accuracy.
- The technician noted that the meniscus of the mercury was convex, unlike the concave meniscus observed with water, due to the different cohesive and adhesive forces at play.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.