suction — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Synonyms

   aspiration

2. A force holding two objects together because the pressure in the space between the items is lower than the pressure outside that space.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

3. The process of creating an imbalance in pressure to draw matter from one place to another.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Examples

   The first-named group — the insects that live by suction — include the scale insects, aphides, and sucking bugs[…]

4. A device for removing saliva from a patient's mouth during dental operations, a saliva ejector.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

5. influence; "pull".

   Usage

   • Informal
   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Examples

   He's got some kind of suction with the Mayor's office.

Verb

1. To create an imbalance in pressure between one space and another in order to draw matter between the spaces.

2. To draw out the contents of a space.

Noun

1. a force over an area produced by a pressure difference

   Broader terms

   pressurepressure levelforce per unit area

2. the act of sucking

   Synonyms

   suckingsuck

   Broader terms

   consumptioningestionintakeuptake

Verb

1. remove or draw away by the force of suction

   Broader terms

   removetaketake awaywithdrawtake offpull

   Examples

   the doctors had to suction the water from the patient's lungs

2. empty or clean (a body cavity) by the force of suction

   Broader terms

   evacuatevoidempty

   Examples

   suction the uterus in an abortion