food material by characteristic food (liquid) A state of matter between a solid and a gas, in which a substance has the capacity to flow and conforms to the shape of the container. Liquids range from water to honey, corresponding to a range in viscosity (or apparent viscosity) from 1 to 500 centipoise (viscosity is a measure of a liquid's resistance to flow). Products that are pourable but have a higher viscosity are *SEMILIQUID*. fluid