Fluids: meaning, definitions and examples

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fluids

 

[ˈfluːɪdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure; a gas or liquid.

Synonyms

juices, liquids.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluids

General term for any substance that can flow, including both liquids and gases. Often used in medical, scientific, and technical contexts.

  • Doctors recommend drinking plenty of fluids when you have a fever.
  • The engineer studied the behavior of different fluids under pressure.
liquids

Broad term used to describe any substance that flows freely but has a definite volume, which does not include gases. Suitable for everyday language and scientific discussions.

  • Make sure to store cleaning liquids away from children.
  • Water, milk, and oil are all common household liquids.
juices

Refers specifically to the natural liquid that comes from fruits or vegetables, and less commonly can imply other liquids. Often used in culinary contexts.

  • She started her day with a glass of fresh orange juice.
  • The chef added lime juice to the salad for extra flavor.

Examples of usage

  • Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • She had to undergo a procedure to drain excess fluids from her lungs.
Context #2 | Noun

engineering

Any substance that flows or deforms under applied shear stress.

Synonyms

gases, liquids.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fluids

Use 'fluids' when referring generally to any substance that can flow, including both liquids and gases. This is a broad term often used in scientific contexts.

  • All fluids, including water and air, take the shape of their containers.
  • Engineers study the dynamics of fluids to design efficient machines.
liquids

Use 'liquids' when specifically talking about substances that have a definite volume but no definite shape and are not gases. This term is often used in everyday contexts as well as specific scientific contexts.

  • Pour the liquid into the container and measure it carefully.
  • Water, oil, and alcohol are all examples of liquids.
gases

Use 'gases' to talk about substances that not only flow but can expand to fill their containers, and that usually have very low density compared to liquids and solids. This term is commonly used in both everyday and scientific contexts.

  • Oxygen and hydrogen are both gases at room temperature.
  • The air we breathe is made up of several different gases.

Examples of usage

  • The engineer designed a system to regulate the flow of fluids in the pipeline.
  • Fluids like oil and water are commonly used in hydraulic systems.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'fluid' comes from the Latin word 'fluere,' which means 'to flow.'
  • It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe liquids.
  • The meaning has expanded to include gases, showing the versatility of the concept.

Science

  • Fluids can be categorized as liquids or gases based on how they behave—liquids have a fixed volume, while gases do not.
  • In nature, fluids play a crucial role in weather systems; air movements are fluid dynamics in action.
  • The study of fluids helps in various fields like engineering, meteorology, and medicine to understand and predict behaviors.

Cultural References

  • In art, fluid dynamics inspired techniques in painting such as pouring or dripping, exemplified by artists like Jackson Pollock.
  • Fluid motion is celebrated in dance, where the graceful movements can mimic the flow of water or air.
  • In literature, fluidity often symbolizes change and adaptability, reflecting characters' journeys.

Health

  • The human body is about 60% fluid, with blood, saliva, and other vital fluids essential for health.
  • Hydration is key; consuming fluids keeps our bodies functioning properly and helps with temperature regulation.
  • Certain medical conditions can affect fluid balance in the body, leading to complications like dehydration or edema.

Technology

  • Fluid mechanics is essential in designing vehicles, airplanes, and even buildings to ensure they withstand environmental factors.
  • In the tech world, the concept of fluidity has inspired innovations in user interface design, focusing on smooth transitions and user experience.
  • Hydraulics, a technology relying on fluid movement, is pivotal in machines, from cars to construction equipment.

Translations

Translations of the word "fluids" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fluidos

🇮🇳 तरल पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Flüssigkeiten

🇮🇩 cairan

🇺🇦 рідини

🇵🇱 płyny

🇯🇵 液体 (えきたい)

🇫🇷 fluides

🇪🇸 fluidos

🇹🇷 sıvılar

🇰🇷 액체 (액체류)

🇸🇦 سوائل

🇨🇿 kapaliny

🇸🇰 kvapaliny

🇨🇳 液体 (yètǐ)

🇸🇮 tekočine

🇮🇸 vökvar

🇰🇿 сұйықтықтар

🇬🇪 სითხეები

🇦🇿 mayelər

🇲🇽 fluidos

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,319 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.