What does suction mean?
Suction is the process of drawing air, gas, liquid, or another substance into a space, usually by lowering the pressure in or around that space. The resulting difference in pressure can hold material against a surface, move fluids through pipes, or remove unwanted material from a surface. The term is especially common in medicine, where suction pumps and catheters remove fluids from the airway or other areas of the body. It is also used in engineering, plumbing, cleaning, and industrial equipment, including vacuum cleaners, suction pumps, valves, and gripping devices that rely on suction cups. Although people often speak informally of the suction of a vacuum or pump, the word is more usually reserved for a technical process or force. Its meaning is distinct from simple pulling: suction specifically involves pressure acting through an opening or across a surface.
The process or force of drawing a substance into a space by reducing pressure.
"The loss of pressure created suction that pulled fluid through the tube."
Common in technical, medical, and industrial contexts.
To draw or remove a substance by applying suction.
"The nurse suctioned the mucus from the patient's mouth."
Chiefly used in medical and technical contexts.
The plural is uncommon in ordinary usage but can refer to separate acts or instances of suction.
"Gentle suctions were used to clear the airway."
Suction powers familiar devices from vacuum cleaners and drains to medical suction pumps.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of suction
The word comes through Medieval Latin from Latin suctionem, a noun formed from suctus, the past participle of sugere, meaning “to suck.” The Latin verb ultimately belongs to an Indo-European root also represented by English words such as suck and suckle. English use of suction became established in the seventeenth century for processes involving drawing or drawing off fluids and, later, gases.
Related word forms
How suction is actually used
The noun is common in technical, scientific, medical, and industrial contexts. As a verb, it is relatively uncommon and is used chiefly in medicine and other technical settings.