liquid glass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “liquid glass” mean?
A transparent, viscous substance composed primarily of sodium silicate in water, used as a binder or adhesive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A transparent, viscous substance composed primarily of sodium silicate in water, used as a binder or adhesive.
Refers to sodium silicate solution, commonly used industrially; also used figuratively to describe something that is highly transparent, flowing, or deceptively hard when solidified.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both varieties use the term in technical contexts. The related term 'water glass' may be slightly more common in British technical writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “liquid glass” in a Sentence
[Subj] + apply/use + liquid glass + [to surface][Subj] + be coated/sealed + with liquid glassliquid glass + hardens/driesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquid glass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The liquid-glass sealant proved very effective.
- They ordered a liquid-glass adhesive.
American English
- We need a liquid-glass solution for this project.
- Check the liquid-glass coating for cracks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In industrial supply catalogs or manufacturing costings.
Academic
In chemistry, materials science, or conservation papers discussing adhesives or binders.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be encountered in DIY or craft contexts.
Technical
Standard term in industrial chemistry, foundry work, ceramics, and egg preservation (historical).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liquid glass”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liquid glass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquid glass”
- Using 'liquid glass' to refer to molten glass in a glassblowing context (correct term is 'molten glass').
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in technical contexts, 'liquid glass' and 'water glass' are synonyms for sodium silicate solution.
No, that is correctly called 'molten glass'. 'Liquid glass' specifically refers to a chemical solution.
No, it is a specialised technical term. Most native speakers would not be familiar with it outside specific industries or hobbies.
Yes, a key property of sodium silicate solution ('liquid glass') is that it dries to form a hard, transparent film.
A transparent, viscous substance composed primarily of sodium silicate in water, used as a binder or adhesive.
Liquid glass is usually technical / industrial in register.
Liquid glass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪk.wɪd ˈɡlɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪk.wɪd ˈɡlæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly associated with the term 'liquid glass')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine pouring glass like water – it's LIQUID GLASS before it hardens rock-solid.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLUIDITY FOR POTENTIAL SOLIDITY (a liquid that becomes glass-like).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'liquid glass' MOST likely to be a standard term?