viscosity

noun

vis·​cos·​i·​ty vi-ˈskä-sə-tē How to pronounce viscosity (audio)
plural viscosities
1
: the quality or state of being viscous : a sticky or glutinous consistency
2
a
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 Baeyer
b
: 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

Examples of viscosity in a Sentence

conducted an experiment to determine the viscosity of motor oil
Recent Examples on the Web Stage one baby food is recommended for babies in the 6-month age range—stage one foods are purees that are completely smooth in consistency and thin in viscosity. Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 Although a bottle of wine boxed with a crystal spoon can seem like a bit of a gimmick, the viscosity makes sipping from a spoon rather than a glass a much more efficient means of imbibing with minimal loss. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 But for non-Newtonian fluids like oobleck, the viscosity changes when a shearing force is applied. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Dec. 2023 Lastly, the focus shifted to various dips: salsa, chocolate syrup, and jarred cheese dip, each differing in pH and viscosity. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Jan. 2024 Its namesake Auto Sense technology continuously checks for changes in textures and viscosities based on feedback the mixer receives when in use. Andrew Watman and Simon Nguyen, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2023 In any event, my penchant for ordering the most disgusting thing on the menu led me to an inedible monstrosity, a cow’s udder filled with sirop, a reduction of pears and apples with the viscosity of hot tar. Lucy Sante, The New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2023 The insects consume a lot of sap, and their frequent urination consumes a lot of energy in turn, because of their small size and the sap's viscosity and negative surface tension (it naturally gets sucked inward). Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2023 Holi Oobleck Oobleck is a fun science project that teaches about viscosity and force. Christina Montoya Fiedler, Woman's Day, 24 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viscosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscosity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near viscosity

Cite this Entry

“Viscosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscosity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

viscosity

noun
vis·​cos·​i·​ty vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē How to pronounce viscosity (audio)
plural viscosities
: the quality or state of being viscous
especially : the characteristic of a fluid that resists flow
an oil of high viscosity

Medical Definition

viscosity

noun
vis·​cos·​i·​ty vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē How to pronounce viscosity (audio)
plural 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

More from Merriam-Webster on viscosity

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