🚀 go-pugleaf

On Sat, 15 May 2010 19:07:16 +0000, Don H wrote:

> "Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:857c43Frv2U1@mid.individual.net...
>> In article <4IhHn.24789$pv.16671@news-server.bigpond.net.au>, "Don H"
> <donlhumphries@bigpond.com> wrote:
>> [snip]
>> >#  According to my Concise Oxford Dictionary:
>> [...]
>> >   "Utilising atmospheric pressure" is the agency; no mention of
>> >   gravity
>> >(Version 1). ( Gk siphon: tube.)
>>
>> G'day Don,
>>
>> You haven't been keeping up!  Even the daily tabloid here in Qld has
>> publicised the fact that the above definition in the OED is simply
>> *wrong*, and has been for 100 years or so.
>>
>> The driving force of syphons is *gravity*.  The OED will be corrected
>> in the next edition.
>>
>> Cheers, Phred.
>>
>> --
>> ppnerkDELETE@THISyahoo.com.INVALID
>>
>>
> # I don't really dispute that, but am merely querying various aspects :

The real problem is that if you want meaningful answers, you had better 
define the full situation as you are clearly a stupid senile toss pot 
that asks one question when he means another

> (1) Static pressure is mooted - or is this traction?

The current incorrect dictionary definition is static pressure.
There is a vital element of traction(~definition) in the gravity 
definition 

(2) Can a siphon function in a vacuum;

in a (non-existent)theorectical(sp) No for atmospheric, but Yes for 
gravitational.


> (3) Conversely, can a siphon function in a weightless environment (eg.
> outer space)?

Outer space is not a true weightless environment. Gravity flows through 
out space. 

> (4) Has any experiment been done to prove that a gas can be siphoned

Yes.


> (5) Must a siphon (ie. the pipe or tube), be totally filled with fluid
> (no air bubbles, or air entry valve)?

Depends on the material being syphoned.


> (6) How did Oxford Dictionary get it wrong in the first place; and is a
> switch to gravity (only) another rash move?

Who knows, you would have to ask them. No scientist uses a dictionary as 
a source of a scientific definition.