viscosity

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablephysicschemistry

   The measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; thickness or stickiness of a liquid.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the property in general: high viscosity, low viscosity. Can be countable when referring to a specific measured value: different viscosities.

   Patterns

   • high viscosity
   • low viscosity
   • the viscosity of something
   • measure viscosity

   Honey has a much higher viscosity than water.

   Engineers must consider the viscosity of the oil at different temperatures.

   The viscosity of the lava determines how quickly it flows.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalphysics

   A specific numerical value representing a fluid's resistance to flow, often measured in poise or pascal-seconds.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular measurement: a viscosity of 10 poise.

   Patterns

   • a viscosity of X
   • measure the viscosity
   • viscosity increases/decreases

   The lubricant has a viscosity of 5 poise at room temperature.

   As the mixture cools, its viscosity increases rapidly.

Word forms

Common combinations

high viscosity

Motor oil with high viscosity is better for older engines.

low viscosity

Water has a low viscosity and flows easily.

measure the viscosity

Scientists use a viscometer to measure the viscosity of the solution.

viscosity of a liquid

The viscosity of a liquid decreases as it warms up.

Synonyms and how they differ

thickness

Everyday word for how thick a liquid is; viscosity is the precise scientific term.

consistency

Broader; can refer to texture or firmness, while viscosity specifically means resistance to flow.

Opposites

Word family

viscous adjective

Having a thick, sticky consistency; resistant to flow.

viscometer noun

An instrument for measuring viscosity.

Commonly confused: viscosity or density?

Practice

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