coefficient of viscosity
- noun
- /ˌkoʊɪˈfɪʃənt əv vɪˈskɑːsɪti/
- Specialized
- The experiment measured the coefficient of viscosity of glycerin using a falling sphere method.
Examples
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The coefficient of viscosity for water changes with temperature.
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Engine oil is selected based on its coefficient of viscosity.
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The coefficient of viscosity determines how easily a fluid flows.
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A higher coefficient of viscosity indicates a thicker fluid.
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The coefficient of viscosity for honey is higher than that for water, meaning it flows more slowly.
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When studying fluids, scientists often calculate the coefficient of viscosity to understand their flow behavior.
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In engineering, knowing the coefficient of viscosity helps in designing efficient fluid systems.
Synonyms
How thick and sticky a liquid is so it flows slowly
How slowly a liquid flows, for example honey
The thickness or stickiness of a liquid that makes it flow slowly
How thick a liquid is when it flows
The thickness of a liquid that makes it flow slowly
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.