centipoise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “centipoise” mean?
A unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to one hundredth of a poise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to one hundredth of a poise.
A common unit for measuring the internal resistance to flow of a fluid, widely used in engineering and science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No spelling or usage differences exist. The term is standardized internationally in science and engineering.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used only within specific technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “centipoise” in a Sentence
The viscosity is [NUMBER] centipoise.It has a viscosity of [NUMBER] centipoise.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centipoise” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The centipoise value is critical for the pump design.
- A 10 centipoise fluid was used in the test.
American English
- The centipoise rating must be checked.
- They specified a 5 centipoise oil.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like petrochemicals, paints, or lubricants for product specifications.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, chemistry, and geology papers and textbooks when discussing fluid properties.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard unit in fluid mechanics, rheology, process engineering, and quality control labs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centipoise”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centipoise”
- Mispronunciation: /senˈtaɪpɔɪz/ (incorrect).
- Misspelling: 'centipoize' or 'centipoise'.
- Confusing with centistokes (unit of kinematic viscosity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the poise (and centipoise) are units from the older CGS system. The SI unit for dynamic viscosity is the pascal-second (Pa·s). 1 centipoise = 0.001 Pa·s.
Centipoise (cP) measures dynamic viscosity (resistance to flow). Centistokes (cSt) measures kinematic viscosity (dynamic viscosity divided by density). They are related but not the same.
Water at 20°C has a viscosity of about 1.002 centipoise. It is often approximated to 1 cP for simple calculations.
You would encounter it in technical fields: chemical engineering, paint and coating formulation, oil and gas, cosmetics, food science, and any industry dealing with fluid flow.
A unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to one hundredth of a poise.
Centipoise is usually technical/scientific in register.
Centipoise: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntɪˌpɔɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntɪˌpɔɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CENTIpoise: think CENTImeter (one hundredth) and poise (the base unit). It's a hundredth of a poise.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISCOSITY IS RESISTANCE (to flow).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'centipoise' measure?