fluid

1 of 2

adjective

flu·​id ˈflü-əd How to pronounce fluid (audio)
1
a
: having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yield to pressure : capable of flowing
a long screw that forces the fluid chocolate through fine openingsTechnical Survey
b
: subject to change or movement
boundaries became fluid
2
: characterized by or employing a smooth easy style
the ballerina's fluid movements
fluid recitation of his lines
3
a
: available for various uses
a fluid computer program
b
: liquid sense 4
fluid assets
fluidly adverb
fluidness noun

fluid

2 of 2

noun

: a substance (such as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container
fluidal adjective
fluidally adverb
fluidlike adjective

Examples of fluid in a Sentence

Adjective a substance in a fluid state warm the jam until it is fluid, then spread it over the cake Noun Please check the fluids in the car's engine. She needs to drink plenty of fluids. Fluid leaked from the car's engine. a bottle of yellow fluid
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
These things are always fluid, but that’s the current thought process. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024 The camera does too, with Paul Yee’s fluid cinematography lending the proceedings an immediacy befitting the life-or-death stakes. Michael Nordine, Variety, 16 Apr. 2024 Indianapolis companies Roche Diagnostic and Eli Lilly and Co., are collaborating to develop a more accessible and affordable option to supplement the spinal tap fluid sample test and PET scan tests that are available today. Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024 If the fluid level drops significantly, Hyundai said, the driver would see a warning light. Tom Krisher, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024 Sentencing is a much more fluid process, with both sides allowed to make sweeping arguments to try to make their case to the judge. Allison Morrow, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024 This negative pressure is thought to modify fluid dynamics within the eye and its supporting blood vessels. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2024 Far from that, research published in Healthline also shows that a fluid loss of about 1.4% can significantly impact mood and concentration while significantly increasing the frequency of headaches. Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024 Other factors, such as age, fluid retention, and stress, are more likely to cause weight gain than the pill. Laura Dorwart, Health, 8 Apr. 2024
Noun
These sets may also include smoke fluid, a clear, odorless liquid used to create smoke that is not safe to ingest. Features: Many train sets have fun, engaging features like lights and sounds. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024 Think flow-through teabag, which lets fluids circulate — in this case, air. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024 In the middle ear, the spot inside the eardrum that turns vibrations in the air into ripples in the inner ear’s fluids has three bones. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Apr. 2024 Hazmat inspectors have found no evidence the Dali's hull is leaking any fluids into the river, U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Gautier said. Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024 Brake fluid can leak if O-rings, which seal the fluid, lose strength if exposed to moisture, dirt or other contaminants in the fluid, according to Hyundai documents filed with NHTSA. Tom Krisher, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024 These warm, soothing fluids will help soothe a sore throat. Amanda Gardner, Health, 30 Mar. 2024 Do not mix oil with other fluids such as gasoline or antifreeze. Cynthia Sewell, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2024 At the base, the charger port has a protective cap to keep any outside cleaning fluid or water from damaging it. Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluid.' 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

Adjective and Noun

French or Latin; French fluide, from Latin fluidus, from fluere to flow; akin to Greek phlyzein to boil over

First Known Use

Adjective

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluid was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near fluid

Cite this Entry

“Fluid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluid. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

fluid

1 of 2 adjective
flu·​id ˈflü-əd How to pronounce fluid (audio)
1
a
: capable of flowing like a liquid or gas
b
: likely or tending to change or move
2
: showing a smooth easy style
fluid movements
fluidly adverb
fluidness noun

fluid

2 of 2 noun
: a substance tending to flow or take the shape of its container
liquids and gases are fluids
fluidlike adjective
Etymology

Adjective

from French fluide or Latin fluidus, both meaning "fluid, able to flow," from Latin fluere "to flow" — related to affluent, fluent, flush entry 2, influence, superfluous

Medical Definition

fluid

1 of 2 adjective
flu·​id ˈflü-əd How to pronounce fluid (audio)
: having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass and that easily yield to pressure : capable of flowing

fluid

2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container
specifically : one in the body of an animal or plant see cerebrospinal fluid, seminal fluid

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