A tube used to convey liquid from one container to another, typically by atmospheric pressure. To draw off or transfer liquid using such a device, or to gradually drain resources.
From Greek siphon meaning 'pipe, tube'. The word entered English via Latin in the 14th century, originally used for ancient Greek fire-fighting equipment, later applied to any device using atmospheric pressure to move liquids.
Siphons seem to defy gravity but actually rely on atmospheric pressure - ancient Romans used lead siphons in their aqueducts, and amazingly, some siphons can work even in the vacuum of space if the liquid doesn't boil away first!
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