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

The palate is viscous slightly beyond its proof, and those dark fruits carry over well, rich in fig, plum pudding, and mulberry; t’s like a vanilla tart topped with fresh berries underneath a sugary glaze. —David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Researchers thought massive ice sheets, unlike noisy, cracking glaciers, flow silently, like viscous fluids. —Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 6 Feb. 2025

Instant Shine Mask for $15: Infused with biotin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and red raspberry seed oil, this translucent, slightly viscous amber liquid purportedly seals the hair cuticle for a smooth and silky result. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025

Four teenagers have been cited in connection with the viscous killing of a coyote in Chicago city limits this month, police confirmed to USA TODAY Tuesday. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for viscous

• discus
• viscus
• hibiscus
• meniscus

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