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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The model accounts for temperature-dependent properties like electrolyte viscosity and predicts voltage, ion concentrations, temperature, and power parameters. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Lava produced by stratovolcanoes typically has a high viscosity, traveling only short distances, and pyroclastic flows — avalanches of hot gases and debris — or mudflows can kill people up to a distance of 10 to 20 kilometers (six to twelve miles). David Bressan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Many industrial strategies for stabilizing foams rely on altering the viscosity; this shows those methods are ineffective. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2025 By allowing droplets to move freely, the study explores how surface tension, viscosity and other forces affect fluid dynamics in microgravity. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for viscosity

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

Cite this Entry

“Viscosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscosity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!