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liquid

fluid substance
[C/U] Both
pl: liquidspast: liquidspp: liquidsing: liquidizingcomp: more liquidsup: most liquid

In a scientific sense, a liquid is defined by its inability to expand to fill a container, distinguishing it from a gas, while maintaining the ability to flow, which distinguishes it from a solid. This state of matter is characterized by molecules that are close together but can slide past one another. In a financial context, the term is adapted to describe assets that can be converted into cash quickly without affecting their market price. This transition from a physical state to a fiscal property illustrates how the concept of flow is applied to the movement of capital.

Countable when referring to a specific type of liquid.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Jessica is staring at a spreadsheet while Mr. Sterling is on a spontaneous retreat in Bali.
Mr. Sterling

Jessica, I've decided our capital needs to be more liquid. Sell the office art.

Mr. Sterling
Jessica
Jessica

Sir, that will throw a wrench in the quarterly audit. I'm spiraling.

💡
The conversation uses 'liquid' in the financial sense (assets easily converted to cash). Jessica uses the idiom 'throw a wrench in', meaning to sabotage or disrupt a plan, reflecting her high-anxiety personality and the chaotic nature of Mr. Sterling's directives.

Meanings

Nounfluid substance

A substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, having a consistency like that of water or oil.

"Water is the most common liquid on Earth."

Examples

The chemist carefully poured the clear liquid into the beaker.

Collocations & Compounds

liquid state

the phase of matter where a substance is fluid

The substance remains in a liquid state at room temperature.

liquid soap

soap that is in fluid form rather than a bar

She prefers using liquid soap in the bathroom.

liquid crystal

a substance with properties between a conventional liquid and a solid crystal

Modern screens rely on liquid crystal displays for image reproduction.

liquid diet

a diet consisting only of fluids

The patient was put on a liquid diet after the surgery.

clear liquid

a fluid that is transparent

The sample was a clear liquid with no visible impurities.

Idioms & Sayings

liquid assets

cash or assets that can be quickly converted into cash

The company maintains a high volume of liquid assets to ensure it can cover short-term debts.

liquid gold

a substance that is extremely valuable or desirable

To the thirsty hikers, the cool spring water was like liquid gold.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 9, 2026Report an Error