fluid
Fluid (noun) means a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that flows and takes the shape of its container. Example: “Make sure to drink plenty of fluids in hot weather.”
How to use fluid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that flows (a liquid or gas), or a plan/situation that can still change easily.
Word forms
more fluid comparative, fluids plural, most fluid superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Make sure to drink plenty of _____ in hot weather.
Etymology
From Latin fluidus, "flowing," from fluere ("to flow"). Despite the resemblance, it is not directly related to the native English word "flow."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for fluid
See all rhymes for fluid →Frequently asked questions
What does “fluid” mean?
The word “fluid” means a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that flows and takes the shape of its container. In plain terms, something that flows (a liquid or gas), or a plan/situation that can still change easily.
How do you pronounce “fluid”?
“Fluid” is pronounced FLOO-ihd (/ˈflu.ɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “fluid” in a sentence?
Here is “fluid” used in a sentence: “Make sure to drink plenty of fluids in hot weather.”
What is another word for “fluid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fluid” include liquid, variable, fluxive and runny.
What part of speech is “fluid”?
Depending on how it is used, “fluid” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “fluid” come from?
The word “fluid” comes from Latin. From Latin fluidus, "flowing," from fluere ("to flow"). Despite the resemblance, it is not directly related to the native English word "flow.".
Is “fluid” a common word?
“Fluid” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “fluid” have?
“Fluid” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that flows and takes the shape of its container.
What is the difference between a fluid and a liquid?
A fluid is any substance that flows and takes the shape of its container, which includes both liquids and gases. A liquid is just one kind of fluid. In short, every liquid is a fluid, but not every fluid is a liquid, since gases count too.
What is the difference between 'fluid' and 'fluent'?
'Fluid' means flowing, or changing easily and continuously without being fixed. 'Fluent' describes speaking or writing a language smoothly and easily. The words share a root sense of flowing but are not interchangeable.
When is 'fluid' used as an adjective instead of a noun?
As a noun, 'fluid' names a flowing substance, such as brake fluid or bodily fluids. As an adjective, it means changing easily or not fixed, as in 'a fluid situation' or 'fluid movements'. The surrounding sentence makes the intended sense clear.
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