(capillary action) The rise or fall of liquids within narrow tubes as a result of the surface tension of the liquid. Capillarity is also responsible for the formation of drops, bubbles, etc., and for the retention of water dro*plets on plants following dew formation, mist, rain, and guttation. The supply of water to all parts of a plant is due, in large part, to capillary action. Water will rise against gravity providing that the forces between the surfaces of the water and the solid it is in contact with are greater than the cohesive forces within the body of water. |
