fluid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure
  2. noun continuous amorphous matter that tends to flow and to conform to the outline of its container: a liquid or a gas
  3. adjective satellite subject to change; variable
    unstable.
    • a fluid situation fraught with uncertainty
    • everything was unstable following the coup
  4. adjective satellite characteristic of a fluid; capable of flowing and easily changing shape
    runny.
  5. adjective satellite smooth and unconstrained in movement
    fluent; smooth; liquid.
    • a long, smooth stride
    • the fluid motion of a cat
    • the liquid grace of a ballerina
  6. adjective satellite in cash or easily convertible to cash
    liquid.
    • liquid (or fluid) assets
  7. adjective satellite affording change (especially in social status)
    mobile.
    • Britain is not a truly fluid society
    • upwardly mobile

WordNet

Flu"id adjective
Etymology
L. fluidus, fr. fluere to flow: cf. F. fluide. See Fluent.
Definitions
  1. Having particles which easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass, and which easily yield to pressure; capable of flowing; liquid or gaseous.
Flu"id noun
Definitions
  1. A fluid substance; a body whose particles move easily among themselves. ✍ Fluid is a generic term, including liquids and gases as species. Water, air, and steam are fluids. By analogy, the term is sometimes applied to electricity and magnetism, as in phrases electric fluid, magnetic fluid, though not strictly appropriate.

Webster 1913