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

The situation remains fluid, and travel experts say travelers in Mexico should closely monitor updates from the U.S.

From MarketWatch

Previous computer models simplified impacts by treating colliding bodies as if they were fluid masses that blended into smooth spheres.

From Science Daily

The Vermont Rainbow Coalition, which was formed to support Jackson’s first campaign, organized a crucial constituency in a fluid time, establishing patterns that would persist for decades.

From Salon

"The staff saw fluid coming out the incision hole at the top of my bum where the implant was put in," she added.

From BBC

"There are bandages that absorb fluid, and some that release antimicrobial agents," said Okoro.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• flexible
• shifting
• unsettled
• unstable