antisiphon
|an-ti-si-phon|
/ˌæn.tiˈsaɪ.fən/
against siphoning; prevents siphon effect
Etymology
'antisiphon' is a modern English compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-', meaning 'against') and 'siphon' (from Greek 'siphōn', meaning 'tube' or 'conduit').
'siphon' comes from Greek 'siphōn', entered Latin and then Middle English (as 'syfon'/'siphon') before forming modern English 'siphon'. The compound 'antisiphon' arose in technical usage in the 20th century as devices to prevent siphoning were developed.
Originally the elements meant 'against' + 'tube/conduit'; over time the compound came to mean a device or mechanism specifically for preventing the siphon effect (and, in medicine, prevention of CSF overdrainage).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device, valve, or mechanism designed to prevent siphoning or backflow of liquids (used in plumbing, irrigation, and fluid systems).
The outdoor faucet was fitted with an antisiphon to stop contaminated water from being drawn back into the mains.
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Noun 2
in neurosurgery and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems, a mechanism or valve added to prevent overdrainage caused by the siphon effect when a patient stands upright.
The surgeon recommended adding an antisiphon to the shunt system to reduce the risk of overdrainage when the patient stood up.
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Last updated: 2025/09/10 05:14