Liquids: meaning, definitions and examples

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liquids

 

[ˈlɪkwɪds ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in cooking

Liquids are substances that flow freely and have a definite volume, but no definite shape. They are commonly used in cooking to add moisture, flavor, or to deglaze a pan.

Synonyms

beverages, fluids, juices.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
liquids

Used in general or scientific contexts to reference anything that flows and has no fixed shape. Covers a wide range of substances.

  • 'Water and oil are both liquids
  • ' 'He studied the different properties of various liquids
  • '
fluids

Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to describe substances that can flow, including gases and liquids.

  • 'Engineers are studying the behavior of fluids in microgravity
  • ' 'Fluids like water and air are crucial to life as we know it
  • '
beverages

Used when referring to drinks meant for consumption. Often in everyday or food-related contexts.

  • 'The restaurant offers a variety of beverages
  • ' 'She ordered a cold beverage on a hot day
  • '
juices

Used to describe the liquid extracted from fruits and vegetables, often consumed as a drink.

  • 'She prefers fresh juices to soda
  • ' 'Orange juice is a common breakfast drink
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Liquids such as water, broth, and oil are commonly used in cooking recipes.
  • Add a liquid like milk or cream to make the sauce more creamy.
Context #2 | Noun

in chemistry

In chemistry, liquids are one of the three classical states of matter (along with solids and gases). They have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.

Synonyms

fluids, melts, solutions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
liquids

This term is typically used when referring to substances that are in a liquid state at room temperature, such as water, oil, or juice.

  • She poured the liquids into separate containers.
  • Scientists study the properties of different liquids.
fluids

This is a broader term that includes both liquids and gases. It is often used in scientific, engineering, and medical contexts.

  • Fluids are essential for the body's hydration.
  • Engineers work with various fluids in the mechanics of hydraulics.
solutions

This term is used in chemistry to refer to a liquid mixture where one substance (a solute) is dissolved in another (a solvent). It can also refer to problem-solving, but in the context of liquids, it is specific to chemistry.

  • Saltwater is a common example of a solution.
  • The scientist prepared a solution for the experiment.
melts

This word is used to describe the process of a solid turning into a liquid, usually when heated. It is less commonly used to refer to liquids in general.

  • When the ice melts, water forms.
  • The chocolate melts in your mouth.

Examples of usage

  • The liquid state of matter is characterized by molecules that are close together but can move past each other.
  • Water is a common liquid that exhibits unique properties at different temperatures.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'liquid' comes from the Latin 'liquidus', which means 'fluid' or 'clear'.
  • In different languages, like French, 'liquide' and Spanish, 'líquido' also mean something that flows easily.

Science

  • Liquids have a definite volume but no fixed shape, allowing them to take the form of any container.
  • Many substances can exist in liquid form at room temperature, including water, oil, and alcohol.
  • The behavior of liquids, like how they pour, is influenced by their viscosity, which is how thick or thin they are.

Everyday Life

  • Common liquids include things we drink, like water, milk, and soda, and others like gasoline or cleaning supplies.
  • Some liquids are essential for life, with water being the most crucial for all living organisms.
  • In cooking, liquids are vital for various processes, from boiling to emulsifying ingredients in dressings.

Technology

  • In electronics, liquids are used in cooling systems to manage heat in computers and other devices.
  • Liquid crystals are used in screens for devices like TVs and smartphones, helping to create clear images.

Art

  • Artists often use liquid materials like paint, inks, and dyes to create vibrant artwork.
  • The mixing of liquids in art can create unique textures and effects, especially in fluid painting techniques.

Translations

Translations of the word "liquids" in other languages:

🇵🇹 líquidos

🇮🇳 तरल पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Flüssigkeiten

🇮🇩 cairan

🇺🇦 рідини

🇵🇱 ciecze

🇯🇵 液体

🇫🇷 liquides

🇪🇸 líquidos

🇹🇷 sıvılar

🇰🇷 액체

🇸🇦 سوائل

🇨🇿 kapaliny

🇸🇰 kvapaliny

🇨🇳 液体

🇸🇮 tekočine

🇮🇸 vökvar

🇰🇿 сұйықтықтар

🇬🇪 სითხეები

🇦🇿 maye

🇲🇽 líquidos

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,846 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.