Definition

A type of material that turns into a liquid when stirred or shaken, but becomes solid or thick when left still.

Example

The paint is thixotropic, making it easy to apply when mixed but thickening when it sits in the can.

Conversation

Have you heard about thixotropic materials?

Yeah, I read that they can change from solid to liquid when you stir them!

Exactly! It's pretty cool how they behave differently under pressure.

I wonder what practical uses they might have in everyday products.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thixotropic is formed from "thixis" (from Greek "thixis", meaning to touch or to fix) and "tropic" (from Greek "tropos", meaning turning or change). The word describes a substance that becomes less viscous when agitated, thus 'changing' its state when 'touched' or stirred.

Memory Tip

Think of a substance that 'changes' ('tropic') when you 'touch' it ('thixis') — that's why thixotropic refers to materials that become less thick when stirred.

Visually Confused Words