viscosity
noun
vis·cos·i·ty
vi-ˈskä-sə-tē 
plural viscosities
1
: the quality or state of being viscous : a sticky or glutinous consistency
2
a
technical
: the property of resistance to flow in any material with fluid properties
… water has a small but measurable viscosity, or "stickiness," which results from the weak mutual attraction of water molecules.—
Hans Christian von Baeyer
Hans Christian von Baeyer
b
: the mathematical ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid
called also coefficient of viscosity
Synonyms
Examples of viscosity in a Sentence
conducted an experiment to determine the viscosity of motor oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Investing more than 21,000 man hours a year from more than 50 technical staff, Shell provides race fuels like the Shell V-Power fuel and lubricants like the low viscosity engine oil Shell Helix Ultra to propel Scuderia Ferrari.
—Michael Loré, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
The peas and carrots had a bright color with perfect viscosity and no chunks or pulp.
—Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for viscosity 
Michael Loré, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
The peas and carrots had a bright color with perfect viscosity and no chunks or pulp.
—Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for viscosity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viscosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near viscosity
Cite this Entry
“Viscosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscosity. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
viscosity
noun
vis·cos·i·ty
vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē
plural viscosities
: the quality or state of being viscous
especially
: the characteristic of a fluid that resists flow
an oil of high viscosity
Medical Definition
viscosity
noun
vis·cos·i·ty
vis-ˈkäs-ət-ē
plural viscosities
1
: the quality of being viscous
especially
: the property of resistance to flow in a fluid or semifluid
2
: the ratio of the tangential frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid
called also coefficient of viscosity
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