cold flow

noun

Definition of cold flow

1 : the viscous flow of a solid at ordinary temperatures

2 : the distortion of a solid under sustained pressure especially with an accompanying inability to return to its original dimensions when the pressure is removed

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

cold-flow

intransitive verb

Definition of cold-flow

: to exhibit cold flow

Origin and Etymology of cold-flow

cold flow

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cold flow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

imperturbable

play

very hard to disturb or upset

BROWSE DICTIONARY

cold fish

cold flour

cold flow

cold-flow

cold frame

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

Which is the correct spelling?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games