[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

surface tension \sur"face ten"sion\ physics
   that property, due to molecular forces, which exists in the
   surface film of all liquids and tends to bring the contained
   volume into a form having the least superficial area. the
   thickness of this film, amounting to less than a thousandth
   of a millimeter, is considered to equal the radius of the
   sphere of molecular action, that is, the greatest distance at
   which there is cohesion between two particles. particles
   lying below this film, being equally acted on from all sides,
   are in equilibrium as to forces of cohesion, but those in the
   film are on the whole attracted inward, and tension results.
   webster 1913 suppl.

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

surface tension
     n : a phenomenon at the surface of a liquid caused by
         intermolecular forces

Surface Tension >> S Words
Surface Tension, definition of term: Surface Tension
surface+tension_pag1.html

Tension >> T Words
Tension, definition of term: Tension
tension_pag1.html

Surface >> S Words
Surface, definition of term: Surface
surface_pag1.html

Surface Area >> S Words
Surface Area, definition of term: Surface Area
surface+area_pag1.html

Ruled Surface >> R Words
Ruled Surface, definition of term: Ruled Surface
ruled+surface_pag1.html