VISCOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does viscous mean? 

• VISCOUS (adjective)
  The adjective VISCOUS has 2 senses:

1. having a relatively high resistance to flow

2. having the sticky properties of an adhesive

  Familiarity information: VISCOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• VISCOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a relatively high resistance to flow

Synonyms:

syrupy; viscous

Similar:

thick (relatively dense in consistency)

Derivation:

viscosity; viscousness (resistance of a liquid to shear forces (and hence to flow))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having the sticky properties of an adhesive

Synonyms:

gluey; glutinous; gummy; mucilaginous; pasty; sticky; viscid; viscous

Similar:

adhesive (tending to adhere)

 Context examples 

A semi-solid composed of suspensions of active and/or inert ingredient(s) in any type of highly viscous material, including gelatin or gel.

(Jelly Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

Slightly viscous, colorless and odorless liquid cyclic ether.

(Glycidol, NCI Thesaurus)

A yellowish, odorless, viscous, oily carcinogenic chlorinated hydrocarbon.

(Chlorinated Paraffin, NCI Thesaurus)

A yellow, viscous, oily nitrosamine that is highly unstable in the presence of light.

(N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine, NCI Thesaurus)

Grossly, the better differentiated tumors consist of cystic masses, usually unilocular, containing a clear but sometimes viscous fluid.

(Ovarian Serous Tumor, NCI Thesaurus)

Three adjoining platelets are shown in the process of viscous metamorphosis (top right).

(Acute Myocardial Infarction Pathway, NCI Thesaurus/BIOCARTA)

A class of water soluble polysaccharides usually isolated from seeds and typically viscous in aqueous solution.

(Dietary Gum, NCI Thesaurus/CRCH)

A thick, viscous plant cell product; the term is usually applied to plant gums.

(Mucilage, NCI Thesaurus/CRCH)

A semi-solid, viscous in texture, that may be composed of a variety of bases including hydrocarbons, emulsifiers or vegetable oils, and mixed with active and/or inert ingredient(s).

(Ointment Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

Implant systems are used when chronic therapy is indicated and may take the form of highly viscous liquids, semi-solid formulations, rod impregnated with drug substances, or a liquid which gels in situ.

(Administration via Implantation, NCI Thesaurus)