Basic Details
Word: Capillary
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small blood vessel in the body that connects arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of substances.
Synonyms: Microvessel, blood vessel
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Capillary action: The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. Example: "The capillary action of water through the roots of plants is vital for their growth."
- Draw blood from a stone: To attempt to extract something valuable from an unyielding source. Example: "Trying to get him to tell a story is like drawing blood from a stone; he just won't share."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The capillary walls are very thin, allowing oxygen and nutrients to pass easily into the surrounding tissues.
Example 2: When you prick your finger, blood comes out from tiny capillaries close to the surface of your skin.
Example 3: Scientists study capillary behaviour to understand how fluids move through different materials.
Fun Fact
Did you know that capillaries are so small that up to 10 can fit across the thickness of a human hair? They play a crucial role in the circulatory system by connecting the larger blood vessels.
Famous Quote
"The blood is the life of the flesh; the capillaries are the life of the blood." Anon
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "capillary" refer to?
a) A type of animal
b) A small blood vessel
c) A form of energy
d) A type of plant
Answer: b) A small blood vessel
2. Which of these is a synonym of "capillary"?
a) Heart
b) Microvessel
c) Lung
d) Brain
Answer: b) Microvessel
3. Which sentence uses "capillary" correctly?
a) The capillary ran fast during the race.
b) The capillary is where blood is exchanged for oxygen.
c) The capillary built a tall tower.
d) The capillary is the biggest river in the world.
Answer: b) The capillary is where blood is exchanged for oxygen.
4. Which idiom refers to the movement of liquids?
a) Draw blood from a stone
b) Capillary action
c) All in a day's work
d) Hit the nail on the head
Answer: b) Capillary action
5. What is the opposite of "capillary"?
a) N/A
b) Lake
c) Ocean
d) Tree
Answer: a) N/A
