viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvi-skəs 

1

: having a thick or sticky consistency : viscid

viscous secretions

viscous corn syrup

2

technical : having or characterized by a high resistance to flow

viscous lava

viscously adverb

viscousness noun

Synonyms

• ropy
• ropey
• syrupy
• thick
• viscid

Examples of viscous in a Sentence

viscous syrup that takes forever to pour from a narrow-neck bottle

Recent Examples on the Web

The extruder melted thousands of tiny black pellets into a viscous goo. —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

In addition, the rhythmic motion of pedaling on a bicycle can move synovial fluid, the viscous, egg white -like liquid in joints that helps reduce friction and absorb shock. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English viscouse, from Anglo-French viscos, from Late Latin viscosus full of birdlime, viscous, from Latin viscum mistletoe, birdlime; akin to Old High German wīhsila cherry, Greek ixos mistletoe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs 

1

: having the characteristic of stickiness

2

: having or marked by viscosity

Medical Definition

viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs 

1

: having a glutinous consistency and the quality of sticking or adhering : viscid

2

: having or characterized by viscosity

a viscous flow