viscous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "viscous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a thick, sticky consistency of a liquid or substance. Example: "The syrup was so viscous that it took a long time to pour out of the bottle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the collider is about to resume its journey back in time, to probe the strange forces and entities that must have existed in some dense, hot, viscous broth that filled the nascent universe, before ordinary matter started to precipitate, as space started to expand and time to tick.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1964, working with condensation of those crystals at room temperature, Kwolek produced a thin, buttermilk-like liquid different from the clear viscous fluids that usually resulted.

The Guardian

But there is one issue on which sectarian differences are still strangely pronounced: the cooking of mulukhiya, or jute leaves.Muslims slice it finely like garlic and boil it in chicken broth, reducing it to a slimy viscous soup.

The Economist

The more viscous lava is, the harder it is for gases within it to bubble out.

The Economist

A small ice cap on top of Eyjafjallajokull has promoted such shenanigans.Eyjafjallajokull's most recent previous eruption, from late 1821 to early 1823, also had quite viscous lava.

The Economist

The extent of the delay indicated the viscosity of the fluid, and toe-pad mucus was found to be little more than one-and-a-half times as viscous as water.The more viscous a fluid, the longer it will take to drain away.

The Economist

Notice how viscous he makes the whole thing sound: Self-betrayal doesn't trickle or drip or bleed, it oozes, mucous-like (or worse)."~ Laura Kipnis, "Scandals: Why we can't live without them" (Slate).

The Economist

IN A state-of-the-art clean room, a scientist clad in a full-body containment suit, a hair net and blue gloves is preparing some printing cartridges filled not with ink but a viscous milky liquid.

The Economist

Eyjafjallajokull's lava is, by Icelandic standards, quite viscous.

The Economist

The result is a solid with a random, amorphous arrangement of atoms that has more in common with a very viscous liquid than a solid.Metallic glass was first discovered in 1959 by Pol Duwez of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

The Economist

Dr Borra worked out just how viscous the liquid would need to be, and found that it had to be the consistency of thick honey.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fluid's resistance to flow, use "viscous" to indicate its thickness and stickiness. This is particularly useful in scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid attributing viscosity solely to temperature; while temperature affects viscosity, the substance's molecular structure and composition are primary factors.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "viscous" primarily functions to describe the physical property of a substance, specifically its resistance to flow or its thick, sticky consistency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "viscous" accurately describes a substance's thick, sticky consistency and resistance to flow. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific writing. When describing this characteristic, be precise, focusing on the substance's molecular properties rather than external factors like temperature alone. For similar terms, you may consider phrases such as "thick", "sticky", or "syrupy" depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viscid

A direct synonym, indicating a sticky, adhesive, or viscous quality.

thick

This term refers to high density and resistance to flow, similar to "viscous" but more general.

syrupy

Compares the substance to syrup, highlighting its thick and slow-flowing nature.

sticky

Describes the adhesive quality of a substance, often associated with high viscosity.

glutinous

Implies a glue-like or sticky quality, often used in the context of food or adhesives.

adhesive

Focuses on the clinging property of a substance, a characteristic often linked with viscosity.

gelatinous

Refers to a jelly-like consistency, a specific form of viscous material.

ropy

Describes a liquid that flows in thick, stringy strands due to its viscosity.

mucilaginous

Denotes a slimy or viscous texture, often referring to plant-based substances.

pasty

Suggests a thick, dough-like consistency, indicating high viscosity and solidity.

FAQs

How is "viscous" used in scientific contexts?

In scientific fields, "viscous" describes a fluid's resistance to flow due to internal friction. For example, scientists might study the viscous properties of lava or polymers.

What are some synonyms for "viscous"?

Depending on the context, you could use "thick", "sticky", or "syrupy" as alternatives to "viscous".

Is it correct to use "viscous" to describe a solid?

"Viscous" is typically used to describe liquids or semi-solids. While some solids might exhibit slow deformation under stress, it's more accurate to describe them as having high internal friction or resistance to deformation.

How does temperature affect a "viscous" substance?

Generally, increasing the temperature of a "viscous" substance will decrease its viscosity, making it flow more easily. Conversely, decreasing the temperature will often increase its viscosity.