semifluid

American  

[sem-ee-floo-id, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈflu ɪd, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

1. imperfectly fluid; having both fluid and solid characteristics; semiliquid.

---

noun

1. a semifluid substance.

semifluid British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˈfluːɪd /

adjective

1. having properties between those of a liquid and those of a solid

---

noun

1. a substance that has such properties because of high viscosity

   tar is a semifluid

Other Word Forms

• semifluidity noun

Etymology

Origin of semifluid

First recorded in 1725–35; semi- + fluid

Example Sentences

With a heavy splash her burden fell from her back and commenced to settle slowly into the semifluid ooze.

From Time Magazine Archive

A few minutes after the food enters, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and pepsin which digest the food into a sour semifluid called chyme.

From Time Magazine Archive

This series of substances includes natural or rock-gas, petroleum, maltha or semifluid hydrocarbon, and solid hydrocarbons, such as asphaltum, albertite, grahamite, 339 ozokerite, etc.

From North America by Russell, Israel C. (Cook)

The Mason-bee's grub is therefore emptied by the Leucopsis' larva while it is in a semifluid state and deep in the torpor of the nymphosis.

From The Mason-Bees by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

Hence the remarkable fact that, although a semifluid mass, the surface of Chat Moss rises above the level of the surrounding country. 

From Lives of the Engineers The Locomotive. George and Robert Stephenson by Smiles, Samuel