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Definition of viscous

viscous

/ˈvɪs.kəs/
vis · cous
Adverb:viscously
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viscous Lexical Profile

viscous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; characterized by high viscosity and resistance to flow.

Example

"Cold honey and motor oil are viscous liquids that pour much more slowly than water."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for viscous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for viscous

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused in spelling and pronunciation with 'vicious' (pronounced /ˈvɪʃəs/, meaning cruel or violent); 'viscous' is pronounced /ˈvɪskəs/ with a hard 'k' sound and refers strictly to thick, sticky fluids.

• Rhymes for viscous

• Nearby Words

viscosity
viscount
viscountess
viscous
viscousness
viscum
vise

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Late Latin 'viscosus' (full of birdlime, sticky), derived from Latin 'viscum', meaning mistletoe or the sticky birdlime prepared from mistletoe berries.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Viscous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/viscous
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