ENGLISH
REFERENCE

suction

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsəkʃən// UK //sˈʌkʃən// suc·tion Informal

n. the force that pulls something into a space because there is no air inside. You see this when you use a vacuum cleaner or a straw.

n. the production of a partial or total vacuum in a cavity or over a surface, causing the atmospheric pressure to force fluid or objects into the vacant space.


SIMPLE

The vacuum cleaner has very strong suction.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor used a small tube to apply suction and clear the fluid from the patient's airway.

COMPLEX

Industrial robots often utilize specialized suction cups to lift and manipulate glass panels without leaving the physical marks that mechanical clamps might produce.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin sūctiō, attested since Late Latin and derived from sūgō (“to suck”). Attested in English since the early 17th century.

Usage

Often functions as a modifier in compound nouns like 'suction cup' or 'suction pump'.

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