viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvi-skəs 

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

Synonyms

• ropy
• ropey
• syrupy
• thick
• viscid

Examples of viscous in a Sentence

viscous syrup that takes forever to pour from a narrow-neck bottle

Recent Examples on the Web

Existing supplements are typically derived from seed husks and roots, and are typically thick, viscous, and bulky. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The first sip is mildly viscous, with a beeswax-like quality and traces of honey syrup. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

As my lovely colleagues have astutely pointed out, lip oils are everywhere right now; some are viscous, while others skew slick and liquidy. —Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 19 Jan. 2024

The Tequila is full-bodied on the palate, with an oily, viscous quality. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs 

1

: having the characteristic of stickiness

2

: having or marked by viscosity

Medical Definition

viscous

adjective

vis·​cous ˈvis-kəs 

1

: having a glutinous consistency and the quality of sticking or adhering : viscid

2

: having or characterized by viscosity

a viscous flow