adj. & n.
--adj.
1. having a consistency like that of water or oil, flowing freely but of constant volume.
2 having the qualities of water in appearance; translucent (liquid blue; a liquid lustre).
3 (of a gas, e.g. air, hydrogen) reduced to a liquid state by intense cold.
4 (of sounds) clear and pure; harmonious, fluent.
5 (of assets) easily converted into cash.
6 not fixed; fluid (liquid opinions).
--n.
1. a liquid substance.
2 Phonet. the sound of l or r.
Phrases and idioms:
liquid crystal a turbid liquid with some order in its molecular arrangement. liquid crystal display a form of visual display in electronic devices, in which the reflectivity of a matrix of liquid crystals changes as a signal is applied. liquid measure a unit for measuring the volume of liquids. liquid paraffin Pharm. a colourless odourless oily liquid obtained from petroleum and used as a laxative.
Derivatives:
liquidly adv. liquidness n.
Etymology: ME f. L liquidus f. liquere be liquid