I. sə̇ˈrinj also ˈsirə̇nj or ˈsiˌrinj, in rapid speech often ˈsrinj noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English syring, from Medieval Latin syringa, siringa, from Late Latin, injection, from Greek syring-, syrinx panpipe, fistula, tube; akin to Greek sōlēn channel, pipe, Old Slavic tulŭ quiver, Sanskrit tūṇa, tūṇī quiver, tūṇava flute
1. : a device used to inject fluids into or withdraw them from the body or its cavities: as
a. : a device consisting of a nozzle of varying length and a compressible rubber bulb and used for injection or irrigation
ear syringe
vaginal syringe
b. : an instrument that consists of a glass barrel fitted with a plunger and a hollow needle and is used for the injection of medicines or for aspiration of fluid from body cavities
hypodermic syringe
c. : a device that operates by gravity, consists of a reservoir of rubber, glass, or enamelware fitted with a long rubber tube ending with an exchangeable nozzle, and is used for irrigation of the vagina or bowel — called also fountain syringe
2. : syringium
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to irrigate (a part of the body) by means of a syringe
2.
a. : to spray (plants) with a fine powerful spray of water usually directed at the lower surface of the foliage to dislodge insects
b. : to spray (a greenhouse) with a fine mist of water usually from an overhead spray system primarily to help maintain humidity
intransitive verb
1. : to use a syringe
2. : to spray a plant or greenhouse with water