Dictionary entry

Liquid

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Liq″uid (lĭk″wĭd), a. [L. liquidus, fr. liquere to be fluid or liquid; cf. Skr. to ooze, drop, to melt.]

1. Flowing freely like water; fluid; not solid.

Yea, though he go upon the plane and liquid water which will receive no step. Tyndale.

2. (Physics) Being in such a state that the component parts move freely among themselves, but do not tend to separate from each other as the particles of gases and vapors do; neither solid nor aëriform; as, liquid mercury, in distinction from mercury solidified or in a state of vapor.

3. Flowing or sounding smoothly or without abrupt transitions or harsh tones. “Liquid melody.” Crashaw.

4. Pronounced without any jar or harshness; smooth; as, l and r are liquid letters.

5. Fluid and transparent; as, the liquid air.

6. Clear; definite in terms or amount. “Though the debt should be entirely liquid.” Ayliffe.

Liquid glass. See Soluble glass, under Glass.