fluid

[ floo-id ]

noun

1. a substance, as a liquid or gas, that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape at a steady rate when acted upon by a force tending to change its shape.

adjective

1. pertaining to a substance that easily changes its shape; capable of flowing.
2. consisting of or pertaining to fluids.
3. changing readily; shifting; not fixed, stable, or rigid:

   fluid movements.

4. convertible into cash:

   fluid assets.

fluid

/ ˈfluːɪd /

noun

1. a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that can flow, has no fixed shape, and offers little resistance to an external stress

adjective

1. capable of flowing and easily changing shape
2. of, concerned with, or using a fluid or fluids
3. constantly changing or apt to change
4. smooth in shape or movement; flowing

fluid

/ flo̅o̅′ĭd /

1. A state of matter, such as liquid or gas, in which the component particles (generally molecules) can move past one another. Fluids flow easily and conform to the shape of their containers.
2. See also state of matter

fluid

1. In physics , a substance that flows — usually a liquid or a gas .

Derived Forms

• ˈfluidal, adjective
• ˈfluidness, noun
• ˈfluidly, adverb

Other Words From

• fluid·al adjective
• fluid·ly fluid·al·ly adverb
• fluid·ness noun
• non·fluid noun
• non·fluid·ly adverb
• un·fluid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluid¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin fluidus, equivalent to flu(ere) “to flow” + -idus adjective suffix; -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluid¹

C15: from Latin fluidus , from fluere to flow

Synonym Study

See liquid.

Example Sentences

Methanol is an industrial chemical found in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.

From BBC

Increased pressure from redistribution of fluid in the nose inhibits nerve endings in nasal passages, reducing the ability to smell and taste — one reason why wasabi and hot sauce are popular condiments on the ISS.

From Salon

By analyzing changes in tumor mutations and monitoring cancer biomarkers in bodily fluids, these techniques can help oncologists know when to change tactics and slow the evolution of drug-resistant cells while minimizing toxic side effects.

From Science Daily

Biofilms – gloopy accumulations of bacteria inside pipes – grow faster in low gravity environments, which could be a problem for water supplies or machinery that moves fluid around on space stations or future spacecraft, for example.

From BBC

Methanol is a toxic alcohol used in industrial and household products like paint thinners, antifreeze, varnish and photocopier fluid.

From BBC

Related Words

• broth
• juice
• vapor