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Viscosity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Thick liquids like honey have high viscosity, while thin liquids like water have low viscosity. It affects how fluids move or pour.

viscosity

/vɪˈskɑsəti/ /vɪˈskɒsɪti/

Definition:

A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow or deformation under stress.

Synonyms:

thickness, stickiness, gumminess, cohesiveness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

fluidity, thinness

Common Collocations:

high viscosity, low viscosity, viscosity measurement, viscosity index, viscosity gradient

Derivatives:

viscous, viscously, viscosimeter

Usage Tips:

Use "viscosity" to describe liquids like honey or oil that flow slowly due to internal friction.

Common Phrases:

"like molasses in January, " "thick as tar, " "slow as syrup"

Etymology:

From Latin "viscosus," meaning sticky, from "viscum" (birdlime made from mistletoe berries).

Examples:

  • 1. Honey has high viscosity and flows slowly.
  • 2. The viscosity of motor oil changes with temperature.
  • 3. Scientists measure viscosity to study fluid behavior.
  • 4. Lower viscosity liquids pour more easily than thicker ones.

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