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

Trainers coach clients on how to keep their breathing open and fluid while they lift.

From Los Angeles Times

“But the middle is kind of fluid. Keeps it fresh.”

From Los Angeles Times

A positive blood biomarker test could also lead to significant mental and financial damage, with unnecessary and expensive procedures like an MRI, a PET scan or a spinal fluid test.

From Los Angeles Times

It is part of his plan to make Chelsea players stop thinking about positions and consider playing in a wider, less regimented and fluid way.

From BBC

Trump’s 2016 victory was the lighter fluid that accelerated a news bonfire, driving ratings and subscription revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broth
• juice
• vapor