Viscous
Adjective
Definition: Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid.
Synonyms: Sticky, Adhesive, Gummy
Antonyms: Watery, Thin, Runny
- The honey was so viscous that it stuck to the spoon.
- The melted chocolate formed a viscous coating on the cake.
- Remember the word "viscous" by thinking of something gooey and sticky, like adhesive glue.
Etymology:
Viscous comes from the Latin word "viscosus", which means "of a sticky nature".
Historical Usage:The word has been used in scientific and technical contexts for centuries to describe substances with a high resistance to flow.
Related Idioms:
"Viscous circle"
Explanation:This phrase is a common misspelling or misinterpretation of the correct phrase, "vicious circle". A "vicious circle" refers to a situation where one problem leads to another, and the cycle continues indefinitely.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "viscous" with "vicious".
Explanation:The words "viscous" and "vicious" are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they have completely different meanings. "Viscous" refers to a sticky or semi-fluid consistency, while "vicious" means cruel, violent or aggressive.