viscosity

 
Pronunciation: /vɪˈskɒsɪti/

noun (plural viscosities)

[mass noun]
  • the state of being thick, sticky, and semi-fluid in consistency, due to internal friction: cooling the fluid raises its viscosity
  • [count noun] a quantity expressing the magnitude of internal friction in a fluid, as measured by the force per unit area resisting uniform flow: silicone oils can be obtained with different viscosities

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French viscosite or medieval Latin viscositas, from late Latin viscosus (see viscous)