liquid

[ lik-wid ]

adjective

1. composed of molecules that move freely among themselves but do not tend to separate like those of gases; neither gaseous nor solid.
2. of, relating to, or consisting of liquids:

   a liquid diet.

3. flowing like water.
4. clear, transparent, or bright:

   liquid eyes.

5. (of sounds, tones, etc.) smooth; agreeable; flowing freely:

   the liquid voice of a trained orator.

6. in cash or readily convertible into cash without significant loss of principal:

   liquid assets.

7. Phonetics. characterizing a frictionless speech sound pronounced with only a partial obstruction of the breath stream and whose utterance can be prolonged as that of a vowel, especially l and r.
8. (of movements, gestures, etc.) graceful; smooth; free and unconstricted:

   the ballerina's liquid arabesques.

noun

1. a liquid substance.
2. Phonetics. either r or l, and sometimes m, n, ng.

liquid

/ ˈlɪkwɪd /

noun

1. a substance in a physical state in which it does not resist change of shape but does resist change of size Compare gas solid
2. a substance that is a liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure
3. phonetics a frictionless continuant, esp ( l ) or ( r )

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or being a liquid or having the characteristic state of liquids

   liquid wax

2. shining, transparent, or brilliant
3. flowing, fluent, or smooth
4. (of assets) in the form of money or easily convertible into money

liquid

/ lĭk′wĭd /

1. One of four main states of matter , composed of molecules that can move about in a substance but are bound loosely together by intramolecular forces. Unlike a solid, a liquid has no fixed shape, but instead has a characteristic readiness to flow and therefore takes on the shape of any container. Because pressure transmitted at one point is passed on to other points, a liquid usually has a volume that remains constant or changes only slightly under pressure, unlike a gas.

liquid

1. A phase of matter in which atoms or molecules can move freely while remaining in contact with one another. A liquid takes the shape of its container. ( Compare gas and solid .)

Derived Forms

• ˈliquidness, noun
• ˈliquidly, adverb

Other Words From

• liquid·ly adverb
• liquid·ness noun
• non·liquid adjective noun
• non·liquid·ly adverb
• un·liquid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquid¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English liquyd, from Latin liquidus, equivalent to liqu(ēre) “to be liquid” + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquid¹

C14: via Old French from Latin liquidus, from liquēre to be fluid

Synonym Study

Liquid, fluid agree in referring to matter that is not solid. Liquid commonly refers to substances, as water, oil, alcohol, and the like, that are neither solids nor gases: Water ceases to be a liquid when it is frozen or turned to steam. Fluid is applied to anything that flows, whether liquid or gaseous: Pipes can carry fluids from place to place.

Example Sentences

Plus, you won’t have to worry about the snow because these gloves are designed with an outer waterproof shell, which protects the batteries from any liquid damage.

From Popular-Science

In 2019 he started working with SmartWater CSI, a Florida-based company that produces a proprietary traceable liquid.

From Popular-Science

If you leave your boiling pot unattended and the liquid level gets too low, it’s very possible to scorch your tree syrup.

From Popular-Science

There isn’t actually that much onscreen, you know, liquids, which is the only way I can put it.

From Vox

The action in GameStop proves that liquid, high-volume markets aren't necessarily efficient markets.

From Axios

Total oil production figures include crude oil, natural gas liquids, and other liquid energy products.

From The Daily Beast

During the height of his disenchantment, he visited his hometown where an old friend gave him some liquid acid.

From The Daily Beast

How can a chilled, acidic, and bubbly liquid make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

From The Daily Beast

Slow at first, then steadily, a stream of liquid drips off the incision.

From The Daily Beast

We want to be the global auction house for the new collector at lower price points and create a more liquid market.

From The Daily Beast

Aristide stood gossiping until the Mayor invited him to take a place at the table and consume liquid refreshment.

From Project Gutenberg

Carbolic Acid … liquid … oil … sweet oil … castor oil … aperient … Epsom Salts … white … white of egg.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the rapidity with which liquid manure produces its effect must be taken into account.

From Project Gutenberg

The quantity of this liquid distributed per acre is about 50,000 gallons, at a cost of 2d.

From Project Gutenberg

In its liquid form, however, sewage manure has been employed with the best possible effect in the cultivation of meadows.

From Project Gutenberg