superfluid

[ soo-per-floo-id ]

noun

1. a fluid that exhibits frictionless flow, very high heat conductivity, and other unusual physical properties, helium below 2.186 K being the only known example.

adjective

1. of or relating to a superfluid.

superfluid

/ ˌsuːpəˈfluːɪd /

noun

1. physics a fluid in a state characterized by a very low viscosity, high thermal conductivity, high capillarity, etc. The only known example is that of liquid helium at temperatures close to absolute zero

adjective

1. being or relating to a superfluid

superfluid

/ so̅o̅′pər-flo̅o̅′ĭd /

1. A fluid, such as liquid helium, that flows with little or no friction at temperatures close to absolute zero.

Other Words From

• super·flu·idi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of superfluid¹

First recorded in 1940–45; super- + fluid

Example Sentences

Scientists have for the first time created a giant quantum vortex to mimic a black hole in superfluid helium that has allowed them to see in greater detail how analogue black holes behave and interact with their surroundings.

From Science Daily

They have created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the lowest possible temperatures.

From Science Daily

Through the observation of minute wave dynamics on the superfluid's surface, the research team has shown that these quantum tornados mimic gravitational conditions near rotating black holes.

From Science Daily

Lead author of the paper, Dr Patrik Svancara from the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham explains: "Using superfluid helium has allowed us to study tiny surface waves in greater detail and accuracy than with our previous experiments in water. As the viscosity of superfluid helium is extremely small, we were able to meticulously investigate their interaction with the superfluid tornado and compare the findings with our own theoretical projections."

From Science Daily

The team constructed a bespoke cryogenic system capable of containing several litres of superfluid helium at temperatures lower than -271 °C. At this temperature liquid helium acquires unusual quantum properties.

From Science Daily