Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

wicking

Noun

/ˈwɪkɪŋ/

Definition

The process by which moisture moves through a material by capillary action.

Examples

Wicking materials are often used in athletic wear to keep sweat away from the body.
The wicking effect of the cotton fabric helps to keep the skin dry during exercise.
In gardening, wicking beds utilize this principle to efficiently water plants.

Meaning

Wicking refers to how liquids, especially water, are absorbed and transported through a material, like fabric or soil, due to the surface tension of the liquid and the interactions between the liquid and the material.