Science, Tech, Math › Science The Different Meanings of Meniscus in Science Print Tony Hutchings / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on September 01, 2018 A meniscus is a phase boundary that has been curved because of surface tension. In the case of water and most liquids, the meniscus is concave. Mercury produces a convex meniscus. Meniscus in Chemistry A concave meniscus forms when the liquid molecules are more attracted to the container via adhesion than to each other via cohesion. A convex meniscus occurs when the liquid particles are more attracted to each other than to the walls of the container. Read More How to Read a Meniscus in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Measure the meniscus at eye level from the center of the meniscus. For a concave meniscus, this it the lowest point or bottom of the meniscus. For a convex meniscus, this is the uppermost or top point of the liquid. A meniscus is seen between the air and water in a glass of water. The water is seen to curve up the edge of the glass. Meniscus in Physics In physics, the term "meniscus" can either apply to the boundary between a liquid and its container or to a type of lens used in optics. A meniscus lens is a convex-concave lens in which one face curves outward, while the other face curves inward. The outward curve is greater than the inward curve, the lens acts as a magnifier and has a positive focal length. Meniscus in Anatomy In anatomy and medicine, a meniscus is a crescent-shaped or semi-lunar structure that partially divides the cavity of a joint. A meniscus is a fibrocartilaginous tissue. Examples in humans are found in the wrist, knee, temporomandibular, and sternoclavicular joints. In contrast, an articular disk is a structure that completely divides a joint cavity. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Different Meanings of Meniscus in Science." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-meniscus-605883. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). The Different Meanings of Meniscus in Science. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-meniscus-605883 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Different Meanings of Meniscus in Science." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-meniscus-605883 (accessed April 23, 2024). copy citation