Syphon vs. Siphon — What's the Difference?

A tube used historically in medicine for suction.

To draw off or convey through a siphon.

Sometimes used in the names of businesses or products.

Figuratively, to take or transfer resources, often illicitly.

An alternative spelling of a device for transferring liquids.

A tube for transferring liquid from one level to another.

Can be a misspelling in modern contexts.

The standard spelling in scientific and technical writing.

Variant of siphon.

A siphon (from Ancient Greek: σίφων, romanized: síphōn, "pipe, tube", also spelled nonetymologically syphon) is any of a wide variety of devices that involve the flow of liquids through tubes. In a narrower sense, the word refers particularly to a tube in an inverted "U" shape, which causes a liquid to flow upward, above the surface of a reservoir, with no pump, but powered by the fall of the liquid as it flows down the tube under the pull of gravity, then discharging at a level lower than the surface of the reservoir from which it came.

See Syphon.

A tube that carries a liquid from a higher level up and over a barrier and then down to a lower level, with the flow maintained by gravity and atmospheric pressure as long as the tube remains filled.

A tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel so that atmospheric pressure forces the liquid through the tube

(Zoology)A tubular organ, especially of aquatic invertebrates such as squids or clams, by which water is taken in or expelled.

Convey, draw off, or empty by or as if by a siphon

To draw off or convey (a liquid) through a siphon.

A term found in older literature and texts.

To take or transfer (something), often illicitly

To pass through a siphon.

A bent pipe or tube with one end lower than the other, in which hydrostatic pressure exerted due to the force of gravity moves liquid from one reservoir to another.

A soda siphon.

(zoology) A tubelike organ found in animals or elongated cell found in plants.

(transitive) To transfer (liquid) by means of a siphon.

To steal or skim off money in small amounts; to embezzle.

A device, consisting of a pipe or tube bent so as to form two branches or legs of unequal length, by which a liquid can be transferred to a lower level, as from one vessel to another, over an intermediate elevation, by the action of the pressure of the atmosphere in forcing the liquid up the shorter branch of the pipe immersed in it, while the continued excess of weight of the liquid in the longer branch (when once filled) causes a continuous flow. The flow takes place only when the discharging extremity of the pipe ia lower than the higher liquid surface, and when no part of the pipe is higher above the surface than the same liquid will rise by atmospheric pressure; that is, about 33 feet for water, and 30 inches for mercury, near the sea level.

One of the tubes or folds of the mantle border of a bivalve or gastropod mollusk by which water is conducted into the gill cavity. See Illust. under Mya, and Lamellibranchiata.

A siphon bottle.

To convey, or draw off, by means of a siphon, as a liquid from one vessel to another at a lower level.

A tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel so that atmospheric pressure forces the liquid through the tube

Convey, draw off, or empty by or as if by a siphon

Move a liquid from one container into another by means of a siphon or a siphoning action;

A device that depends on atmospheric pressure and gravity.

Yes, both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, though "siphon" is preferred for clarity.

"Siphon" has become the standardized form in modern English, especially in technical contexts.

In some contexts, "syphon" may be considered less modern than "siphon."

The basic concept of transferring liquid remains the same, but it may have specific applications in different fields.

"Syphon" might be used for historical accuracy or when referring to a specific brand or product name.

It's not incorrect but may be seen as less standard than "siphon."

In formal writing, especially in technical fields, maintaining the standard "siphon" is important.

Yes, "syphon" is an alternate, though less common, spelling of "siphon."

It comes from the Greek word "siphon" and has been adopted into English with this spelling.

Generally, "siphon" is preferred, but some older texts or specific industries may use "syphon."

Yes, "siphon" can be used figuratively to mean taking resources, often stealthily or illegally.

"He used a siphon to drain the aquarium."

No, "siphon" is the accepted spelling in both British and American English.

Yes, most dictionaries list "syphon" as a variant spelling of "siphon."

It originates from the Greek word "siphon," meaning pipe or tube.