viscosity

vis·cos·i·ty

noun \vis-ˈkä-sə-tē\

plural vis·cos·i·ties

Definition of VISCOSITY

1

: the quality or state of being viscous

2

: the property of resistance to flow in a fluid or semifluid

3

: the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid —called also coefficient of viscosity

Examples of VISCOSITY

1. <conducted an experiment to determine the viscosity of motor oil>

Origin of VISCOSITY

Middle English viscosite, from Anglo-French viscosité, from Medieval Latin viscositat-, viscositas, from Late Latin viscosus viscous

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VISCOSITY

Synonyms

consistence, density, thickness, viscidity, consistency

Related Words

compactness, firmness, solidity; ropiness, stickiness

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Rhymes with VISCOSITY

atrocity, callosity, ferocity, gibbosity, monstrosity, pomposity, porosity, precocity, velocity, verbosity, zygosity

vis·cos·i·ty

noun \vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; vis·cos·i·ties

Medical Definition of VISCOSITY

1

: the quality of being viscous; especially : the property of resistance to flow in a fluid or semifluid

2

: the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid—called also coefficient of viscosity

viscosity

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Resistance of a fluid to a change in shape, or movement of neighbouring portions relative to one another. Viscosity denotes opposition to flow. It may also be thought of as internal friction between the molecules. Viscosity is a major factor in determining the forces that must be overcome when fluids are used in lubrication or transported in pipelines. It also determines the liquid flow in spraying, injection molding, and surface coating. The viscosity of liquids decreases rapidly with an increase in temperature, while that of gases increases with an increase in temperature. The SI unit for viscosity is the newton-second per square metre (N-s/m²).