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coefficient of viscosity

coefficient of viscosity

9.0
A number that shows how thick a liquid is and how hard it is to make it flow
  • noun
  • /ˌkoʊɪˈfɪʃənt əv vɪˈskɑːsɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : coeficiente de viscosidad
  • The experiment measured the coefficient of viscosity of glycerin using a falling sphere method.

Examples

  • The coefficient of viscosity for water changes with temperature.

  • Engine oil is selected based on its coefficient of viscosity.

  • The coefficient of viscosity determines how easily a fluid flows.

  • A higher coefficient of viscosity indicates a thicker fluid.

  • The coefficient of viscosity for honey is higher than that for water, meaning it flows more slowly.

  • When studying fluids, scientists often calculate the coefficient of viscosity to understand their flow behavior.

  • In engineering, knowing the coefficient of viscosity helps in designing efficient fluid systems.

Synonyms

viscosity
vscoefficient of viscosity
  • Specialized
8 7.1

How thick and sticky a liquid is so it flows slowly

is a numerical measure of that property when external force is applied
thickness
vscoefficient of viscosity
  • Specialized
3 4.0

How slowly a liquid flows, for example honey

is the measured numeric value quantifying that resistance under applied force
dynamic viscosity
vscoefficient of viscosity
  • Specialized
7.4

The thickness or stickiness of a liquid that makes it flow slowly

is the quantitative value of that resistance measured under applied force
absolute viscosity
vscoefficient of viscosity
  • Specialized
7.6

How thick a liquid is when it flows

is the general measured value, not defined only by that ratio
viscousness
vscoefficient of viscosity
8.0

The thickness of a liquid that makes it flow slowly

is the measured coefficient expressing that resistance numerically under force

Surface Forms

Morphology

coefficient + of + viscosity

The meaning is directly compositional: 'coefficient' denotes a numerical factor or constant and 'viscosity' denotes resistance to flow, so together they denote a numerical measure quantifying viscosity. The 'coefficient of X' construction is a regular, transparent noun phrase pattern, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Coefficient of viscosity comes from two parts: coefficient, a number that tells how big or small something is, and viscosity, the idea of how 'sticky' or 'thick' a liquid feels. Imagine honey moving slowly and water moving fast; the coefficient of viscosity is the number that tells how much a liquid holds back flow, so it helps compare 'thick' and 'thin' liquids.