Visco

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A prefix used in technical terms to show something relating to thickness, flow resistance, or the viscosity of a substance
2. A combining form in scientific vocabulary that signals a link to how thick a fluid is or how resistant it is to flowing
3. A word-building element in chemistry and physics denoting resistance to flow, as in terms describing thick or gel-like materials

Etymology: "Visco" is a brand name, and a fairly modern one. It was formed from "polyviscose," a shortened form of "polyvinyl" and "viscose" that points to the material's chemistry. Viscose itself is the rayon fibre made by dissolving cellulose, and the "visco-" element signals a link to that process. Because the name was coined for a product rather than drawn from an older vocabulary, its meaning lies in the trademark: it names a specific family of materials rather than a general concept.