Fluid
'fluːɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsA substance, such as a liquid or gas, that can flow and change shape easily.
'fluːɪd
A substance that flows
Blood is a vital fluid in the human body.
💡 Simply: Imagine water. It's not solid, it's not rigid. It can move around, take the shape of its container, and pour easily. That's a fluid. It's anything that flows!
👶 For kids: A fluid is something that can pour and change its shape easily, like water or juice.
More Examples
The engineer tested the properties of different fluids in the engine.
How It's Used
"The scientist studied the properties of various fluids."
"Patients often need intravenous fluids to maintain hydration."
Capable of flowing easily; not stiff or rigid; constantly changing or adaptable.
'fluːɪd
Flowing smoothly; not rigid
The artist used fluid brushstrokes to capture the movement of the ocean.
💡 Simply: Imagine a ballet dancer moving effortlessly and gracefully across the stage. Their movements are fluid, like water. This means things move easily and smoothly, or that things are able to change and adapt without a problem.
👶 For kids: If something is fluid, it means it can move easily and change its shape, like water.
More Examples
The company's strategies need to be fluid in response to market changes.
Her writing style is fluid and engaging.
How It's Used
"The dancer's movements were graceful and fluid."
"Her schedule was fluid, allowing her to adapt to changing circumstances."
Idioms & expressions
fluid dynamics
The study of the motion of fluids (liquids and gases).
"Engineers use principles of fluid dynamics to design aircraft wings."
liquid assets
Assets that can be readily converted into cash.
"The company's liquid assets included cash and marketable securities."
From Latin *fluere* 'to flow'. The word's usage expanded from describing liquids to encompassing metaphorical and abstract concepts related to change and adaptability.
Historically, 'fluid' was primarily used to describe liquids and their properties. Over time, its application broadened to encompass figurative uses related to adaptability and change, particularly from the 18th century onward.
Memory tip
Think of how water flows – it’s a fluid!
Word Origin
"to flow"