viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvi-skəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having a thick or sticky consistency : viscid
viscous secretions
viscous corn syrup
2
technical : having or characterized by a high resistance to flow
viscous lava
viscously adverb
viscousness noun

Examples of viscous in a Sentence

viscous syrup that takes forever to pour from a narrow-neck bottle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Existing supplements are typically derived from seed husks and roots, and are typically thick, viscous, and bulky. Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 The first sip is mildly viscous, with a beeswax-like quality and traces of honey syrup. David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 As my lovely colleagues have astutely pointed out, lip oils are everywhere right now; some are viscous, while others skew slick and liquidy. Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 19 Jan. 2024 The Tequila is full-bodied on the palate, with an oily, viscous quality. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for viscous 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English viscouse, from Anglo-French viscos, from Late Latin viscosus full of birdlime, viscous, from Latin viscum mistletoe, birdlime; akin to Old High German wīhsila cherry, Greek ixos mistletoe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscous was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near viscous

Cite this Entry

“Viscous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscous. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

viscous

adjective
vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having the characteristic of stickiness
2
: having or marked by viscosity

Medical Definition

viscous

adjective
vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having a glutinous consistency and the quality of sticking or adhering : viscid
2
: having or characterized by viscosity
a viscous flow

More from Merriam-Webster on viscous

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