Meaning & Definition of word "Viscosity"

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    Viscosity

    /vɪˈskɒsɪti/

    noun:

    • 1. A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow or deformation; specifically, the thickness or stickiness of a liquid.
      • Example: The viscosity of honey is higher than that of water, making it flow more slowly.
    • 2. The quality of being viscous; the state or condition of being thick and sticky.
      • Example: In engineering, the viscosity of lubricants is crucial for ensuring efficient machinery operation.
    • 3. In physics, viscosity is a property that quantifies the internal friction in a fluid.
      • Example: The viscosity of the oil affects how it circulates in the engine under different temperatures.
    • 4. A physical property that describes resistance to shear or tensile flow.
      • Example: The shear viscosity of the material was tested to ensure it met the required specifications.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'viscositas' meaning 'sticky'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    high viscosity:

    A fluid that flows slowly due to its thickness.

    low viscosity:

    A fluid that flows easily and quickly.

    viscosity index:

    A measure of how much a fluid's viscosity changes with temperature.

    Related Words

    fluid:

    A substance that can flow and take the shape of its container.

    shear:

    The application of force that causes one layer of a material to slide over another.

    Slang Meanings of viscosity

    Meaning: Gooeyness

    Example Sentence: That syrup has a lot of gooeyness, really high viscosity.

    Meaning: Stickiness factor

    Example Sentence: Watch out for the stickiness factor in that paint; its viscosity is off the charts!