wicking

[/ˈwɪkɪŋ/]
noun/verb/adjective
absorção e transporte de umidade
1. The process by which liquid is drawn through a material via capillary action, moving along fibers or threads
The wicking action of the fabric draws sweat away from the skin.
A ação de absorção do tecido afasta o suor da pele.
2. A material or process designed to absorb and transport moisture or other liquids
This shirt uses moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry.
Esta camiseta usa tecnologia de absorção de umidade para mantê-lo seco.
3. The string or cord in a candle that draws up melted wax to be burned
The candle's wicking determines how bright the flame will be.
O pavio da vela determina o quão brilhante será a chama.
4. The act of transferring or drawing liquid upward against gravity
Wicking helps plants absorb water from the soil.
A absorção capilar ajuda as plantas a absorver água do solo.
The term 'wicking' became prominent in American English with the rise of technical sportswear in the 1990s-2000s. It's heavily used in athletic apparel marketing in both the USA and Brazil. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the concept is often expressed as 'absorção de umidade' or 'tecnologia de secagem rápida' in consumer contexts, while technical literature uses 'transporte capilar.'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
moisture absorptioncapillary actionliquid transportmoisture management
Antonyms / Antônimos
repellencywater resistance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
absorção de umidade
Most common term for moisture-wicking in sportswear contexts
General Brazilian
transporte capilar de umidade
More technical/scientific term
Portugal
absorção de humidade
Portuguese spelling uses 'humidade' instead of 'umidade'
São Paulo
tecnologia anti-umidade
Common in sportswear marketing

Related Words

wickcapillaryabsorbentmoisturefabric technologyevaporation

Related Idioms & Phrases

moisture-wicking fabric
wicking away sweat
capillary wicking
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