fluid

American  

[floo-id] / ˈflu ɪd /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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 Scientific  

/ 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 viscosity

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fluid Cultural  

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

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Related Words

See liquid.

Other Word Forms

• fluidal adjective
• fluidally adverb
• fluidly adverb
• fluidness noun
• nonfluid noun
• nonfluidly adverb
• unfluid adjective

Etymology

Origin of fluid

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

Example Sentences

Wales' fluid front four poured forward at will and linked play beautifully, illustrated by their sumptuous team move for the fourth goal involving Brooks, Wilson and James.

From BBC

He raided from the right, Mane patrolled the left, while Firmino could play as a striker or drop deep to add subtle brushstrokes to a fluid, devastating combination.

From BBC

“Headlines remain fluid, and market volatility could persist in the days and weeks ahead. Even so, we continue to believe that a healthy economic backdrop creates attractive opportunities across global equity markets,” he added.

From Barron's

The same computational approaches can help scientists better understand fluid motion in many systems, including ocean currents, atmospheric patterns, and blood flow.

From Science Daily

The sun was not quite up as Eric Helera unlocked the doors of his jeepney, wiped down its two long passenger benches, and checked his brake fluid before another day ferrying Manila commuters.

From Barron's

Related Words

• flexible
• shifting
• unsettled
• unstable