ENGLISH
REFERENCE

viscous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈvɪskəs// UK //vˈɪskəs// vis·cous

adj. describing a liquid that is thick and flows very slowly, like honey or syrup.

adj. having a high resistance to flow; describing a fluid that exhibits significant internal friction when subjected to shear stress.


SIMPLE

Honey is a viscous liquid.

CONTEXTUAL

The engineer tested the viscous properties of the new oil to ensure it would protect the engine in extreme cold.

Synonyms
Origin

First attested in 1605. Borrowed from Middle French visqueux and Late Latin viscōsus, from Latin viscum (“birdlime”). Doublet of viscose.

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