In science, a meniscus refers to the curve that exists on the surface of a liquid when it is placed into a container). The shape of the meniscus depends on the surface tension of the liquid and its adhesion capacity to the wall of the container. A concave meniscus occurs when the attraction between the particles of the liquid and the container is more than half the attraction of the particles of the liquid to each other, causing the liquid to climb the walls of the container). Conversely, a convex meniscus occurs when the adhesion energy is less than half the cohesion energy). The formation of menisci is commonly used in surface science to measure contact angles and surface tension).

In chemistry, the meniscus is important when measuring the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder or other measuring glassware. The meniscus curve of a liquid is the upward or downward curve seen at the top of a liquid in a container. Manufacturers of glassware and other tools calibrate their measurement marks to account for the meniscus).

In summary, a meniscus in science refers to the curve that exists on the surface of a liquid when it is placed into a container. It is important when measuring the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder or other measuring glassware. The shape of the meniscus depends on the surface tension of the liquid and its adhesion capacity to the wall of the container.