The change in surface tension of a liquid when an electric current is applied to it, affecting how the liquid behaves at boundaries.
From electro- (electricity) + capillarity (capillary action, the movement of liquids in narrow spaces). Capillarity comes from Latin capillaris meaning 'hair-like.' The term emerged in the 19th century when scientists began studying how electricity influences surface tension.
This phenomenon is crucial in electroplating and electrorefining, where controlling surface tension with electricity allows metals to coat objects smoothly—it's why we can electroplate jewelry and tools with protective metal layers.
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