Centipoise

/ˈsɛntɪpɔɪz/ noun

Definition

A unit of measurement for viscosity (how thick or sticky a liquid is), equal to one hundredth of a poise.

Etymology

From Latin 'centum' (hundred) + 'poise,' from the French physicist Jean-Louis-Marie Poiseuille. The unit 'poise' was named after him in 1929, and 'centipoise' was created as a smaller, more practical measurement. The metric prefix 'centi-' means one hundredth.

Kelly Says

Honey is about 2,000 centipoise while water is 1 centipoise—that's why honey pours SO slowly compared to water, and engineers use centipoise to predict exactly how fluids will flow in engines and pipes!

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