bernoulli effect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bernoulli effect” mean?
The physical principle that states as the speed of a fluid (including air) increases, its pressure decreases.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physical principle that states as the speed of a fluid (including air) increases, its pressure decreases.
A phenomenon where a pressure differential is created by a difference in fluid flow velocity, often responsible for aerodynamic lift, the curving path of a spinning ball, or atomizer function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation of 'Bernoulli' may follow French origins more closely in British English.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, confined to physics, engineering, and related technical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “bernoulli effect” in a Sentence
The Bernoulli effect explains [phenomenon].[Subject] is a result of the Bernoulli effect.We can observe the Bernoulli effect in [situation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bernoulli effect” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Bernoulli-effect lift
- a Bernoulli-effect demonstration
American English
- Bernoulli-effect principle
- Bernoulli-effect calculations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in physics and engineering lectures, textbooks, and papers on fluid mechanics.
Everyday
Rare. Might be mentioned in simplified explanations of how aeroplanes fly or why a shower curtain blows inward.
Technical
Precise, standard term in engineering, aerodynamics, HVAC design, and sports science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bernoulli effect”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bernoulli effect”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bernoulli effect”
- Misspelling as 'Bernouli effect' or 'Burnoulli effect'.
- Using it to describe any suction effect without a velocity difference.
- Confusing it with the Coandă effect (attachment to a surface).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes. 'Bernoulli effect' often refers to the observable phenomenon, while 'Bernoulli's principle' is the formal statement of the conservation of energy in fluid flow from which the effect is derived.
No, it applies to all fluids, including liquids like water. For example, it's involved in the operation of a Venturi meter used for measuring fluid flow in pipes.
It is a key component in explaining aerodynamic lift. The shape of an aerofoil causes air to move faster over the top surface, creating lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below, resulting in an upward force.
Yes. Common examples include a shower curtain being pulled inward when the shower is on (fast-moving air inside lowers pressure), or two hanging balloons moving together when you blow air between them.
The physical principle that states as the speed of a fluid (including air) increases, its pressure decreases.
Bernoulli effect is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bernoulli effect: in British English it is pronounced /bɜːˈnuːli ɪˈfɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɝːˈnuːli əˈfɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Fast flow, pressure low.' A plane's wing is curved on top, making air travel faster and pressure drop, creating lift.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLOW IS A RACE (faster participants create a vacuum).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these situations is the Bernoulli effect the PRIMARY explanation?