rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryviscousThick and slow-flowing
adjective

viscous

VIS-kus/ˈvɪskəs/

Thick, sticky, and resistant to flowing.

Viscous syrup flows slowly onto the spoon.

A slow thick ribbon of golden syrup clings heavily to the rim of a tilted jar and folds onto a spoon below; long sticky connections convey viscous flow.
Etymology
viscLatinbirdlime; sticky substance
+ousLatinfull of, characterized by

The base names birdlime, a sticky substance made from mistletoe. Its adhesive character supplies the image behind viscous: thick, sticky material that flows slowly.

In context

Factory Secrets: How It's Made255:55
The mixture of ingredients slowly transforms into a viscous fiery liquid that looks like super hot honey or lava from a volcano. This liquid slowly flows through a refractory channel to the next stage.
The World's Heaviest Metal: Turning Industrial Sludge into Fortune

More examples

  • Cold oil became too viscous to pour easily.
  • A viscous layer clung to the spoon.
  • The pump was designed for viscous liquids.

Forms

viscous · more viscous · most viscous

viscosity noun — resistance to flow

Similar words

thick
Thick can describe dimensions or consistency; viscous specifically concerns resistance to flow.
sticky
Sticky means adhering to surfaces; a viscous liquid resists flowing and may also stick.