viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvi-skəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having a thick or sticky consistency : viscid
viscous secretions
viscous corn syrup
2
technical : having or characterized by a high resistance to flow
viscous lava
viscously adverb
viscousness noun

Examples of viscous in a Sentence

viscous syrup that takes forever to pour from a narrow-neck bottle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Does Soju Taste Like? With its crisp and neutral flavor profile, soju is often compared to vodka, but with a slightly sweeter taste, more viscous texture, and lower alcohol content—typically about half that of vodka. Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025 Beta-glucan forms a viscous (thick) substance in the body that draws in cholesterol and helps remove it. Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025 All three had a very viscous Martian interior, consistent with a relatively cold interior. Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 Venezuela produces a denser, more viscous type of oil that is not common in the United States. Rebecca F. Elliott, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for viscous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English viscouse, from Anglo-French viscos, from Late Latin viscosus full of birdlime, viscous, from Latin viscum mistletoe, birdlime; akin to Old High German wīhsila cherry, Greek ixos mistletoe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viscous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscous. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

viscous

adjective
vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having the characteristic of stickiness
2
: having or marked by viscosity

Medical Definition

viscous

adjective
vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscous (audio)
1
: having a glutinous consistency and the quality of sticking or adhering : viscid
2
: having or characterized by viscosity
a viscous flow

More from Merriam-Webster on viscous

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