Word
viscous
Phoneticsvis·cous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɪskəs/
UK/vˈɪskəs/
Definition
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.
Examples
“Honey is a viscous liquid.”
“The engineer tested the viscous properties of the new oil to ensure it would protect the engine in extreme cold.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“Pitch—a viscous component of asphalt—is rock-hard at room temperature.” “The most viscous materials showed solid-like behavior over short times but eventually flowed over longer times, confirming their viscoelastic nature.” Etymology
First attested in 1605. Borrowed from Middle French visqueux and Late Latin viscōsus, from Latin viscum (“birdlime”). Doublet of viscose.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/viscous