Definition of viscosity
viscosities
1 : the quality or state of being viscous : a sticky or glutinous consistency
2a technical : the property of resistance to flow in any material with fluid properties … water has a small but measurable viscosity, or “stickiness,” which results from the weak mutual attraction of water molecules. — Hans Christian von Baeyerb : the mathematical 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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of viscosity in a Sentence
conducted an experiment to determine the viscosity of motor oil
Recent Examples of viscosity from the Web
-
Audi says the ride is much smoother because of a new magnetic adaptive damper system that replaces conventional oil with an undisclosed fluid with viscosity that can be controlled by an electromagnetic field.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'viscosity'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of viscosity
Middle English viscosite, from Anglo-French viscosité, from Medieval Latin viscositat-, viscositas, from Late Latin viscosus viscous
First Known Use: 14th century
Medical Dictionary
viscosity
playMedical Definition of viscosity
viscosities
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
Learn More about viscosity
-
See words that rhyme with viscosity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for viscosity Spanish Central: Translation of viscosity Nglish: Translation of viscosity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of viscosity for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about viscosity
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up viscosity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!