In pumping terminology, "static head" refers to:

Static head is defined as the vertical distance in feet from the level of the liquid in the suction tank to the point of free discharge. This measurement is critical in pumping applications as it indicates the potential energy available due to elevation differences. When designing or analyzing pumping systems, understanding static head is essential because it directly affects the performance of the pump and the energy required to move the fluid from one elevation to another.

In practical terms, static head does not account for losses due to friction in the piping system or other dynamic factors like velocity heads, which are addressed by other parameters in fluid dynamics. The focus on vertical distance highlights the gravitational influence on the fluid, which is crucial for ensuring that pumps are selected and operated efficiently based on the specific requirements of the system.