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Viscous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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viscous

[ˈvɪskəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

liquid

Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid states; having a high viscosity.

Synonyms

gloopy, sticky, thick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
viscous

Used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a fluid that is thick and flows slowly.

  • The honey was so viscous that it barely dripped off the spoon
  • Oil becomes more viscous in cold temperatures
sticky

Commonly used to describe something that adheres easily to other surfaces or feels tacky to the touch.

  • My fingers were sticky after eating the candy
  • The sticky note lost its adhesive after being moved several times
thick

Used to describe the density of a liquid, or can refer to something that is not thin in texture or consistency. Not necessarily negative.

  • She poured a thick smoothie into the glass
  • The soup became too thick as it cooled
gloopy

Informal and often used to describe substances that are thick, wet, and sticky in a somewhat unpleasant way.

  • The gloopy mixture stuck to the sides of the pot
  • The kids made a gloopy mess with the finger paints

Examples of usage

  • The honey was so viscous that it took a while to pour.
  • The paint was too viscous to spread easily on the canvas.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Having a thick or sticky quality, especially in a way that is unpleasant or unattractive.

Synonyms

clinging, cohesive, slimy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
viscous

Used to describe liquids that are thick and slow-moving. Often applied to scientific or technical contexts.

  • The honey was so viscous it took a long time to pour out of the jar.
  • Engine oil can become more viscous at lower temperatures.
slimy

Used to describe something that has an unpleasant, slippery texture. Often carries a negative implication.

  • The pond was filled with slimy algae that stuck to your boots if you stepped in it.
  • She didn't trust him; there was something slimy about his behavior.
clinging

Used to describe something or someone that sticks closely or adheres strongly. Often has a negative or overly dependent connotation.

  • The wet clothes were clinging to his body, making him uncomfortable.
  • She felt suffocated by her clinging partner who never gave her any personal space.
cohesive

Describes something that sticks together well, often used in a positive sense to describe unified teams, groups, or elements.

  • The team was highly cohesive and worked well together to achieve their goals.
  • The instructor praised the students for their cohesive essay that flowed logically from one point to the next.

Examples of usage

  • His words were viscous, coating the air with tension.
  • The atmosphere in the room was viscous, making it difficult to breathe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The viscosity of a liquid can change with temperature; for example, heating syrup makes it pour more easily.
  • Some liquids, like water, have low viscosity, while others, like molasses, have high viscosity.
  • Viscosity is an important property in fields like engineering and physics, especially in fluid dynamics.

Everyday Life

  • When you mix paint, the viscosity can affect how easily it spreads, with thicker paint needing more effort.
  • Cooking often involves substances that are viscous; for instance, sauces can be thickened by adding flour or cornstarch.
  • In baking, the viscosity of a batter affects how it rises in the oven, impacting the final texture of cakes or breads.

Technology

  • In the automotive industry, understanding the viscosity of oils helps improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • 3D printing materials vary widely in viscosity; some must be thin enough to flow through a nozzle, while others need to retain shape.
  • The viscosity of fluids is critical in the design of pipelines, ensuring efficient transportation of substances like oil and gas.

Culinary Arts

  • Certain recipes require a specific viscosity; for example, a salad dressing should be viscous enough to cling to vegetables.
  • High-viscosity oils, like olive oil, not only affect flavor but also how they interact with other ingredients in cooking.
  • Dishes like custards and puddings rely on achieving the right viscosity for the perfect texture.

Art

  • Artists often work with viscous substances like oil paints; viscosity affects how colors blend and layer on the canvas.
  • The thickness of the medium used can dramatically alter the style of an artwork, as seen in impasto technique, where paint is applied thickly.
  • In sculpting, a viscous material, like clay, can be manipulated easily to achieve detailed forms before drying.

Origin of 'viscous'

The word 'viscous' originates from the Latin word 'viscosus', meaning sticky or adhesive. The concept of viscosity was first introduced by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, with viscous fluids having a high resistance. The term is commonly used in the fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,765, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.