fluid

word

/ˈfɫuəd/
floo-id
/flˈuːɪd/
floo-id

Definition

A fluid is a substance like a liquid or gas that can flow and does not keep a fixed shape. As an adjective, fluid also describes movement, language, or change that is smooth, easy, and not rigid.

Usage & Nuances

Common in science and medicine as a noun: 'body fluids', 'brake fluid', 'fluid dynamics'. As an adjective, it is frequent in formal and everyday English: 'fluid movement', 'a fluid conversation', 'fluid identity'. Don't confuse it with 'liquid': every liquid is a fluid, but gases are fluids too.

Example Sentences

Water is a fluid.

basic

The dancer's arms were slow and fluid.

basic

Check the car's brake fluid before the trip.

basic

Her English sounds really fluid now after living abroad for a year.

natural

The app makes switching between pages feel fluid.

natural

These days, the way people work is much more fluid than it used to be.

natural