ScienceJuly 10, 2026

superfluid

/ˈsuːpəˌfluːɪd/

Definition

A state of matter that behaves like a fluid with zero viscosity, allowing it to flow without any loss of kinetic energy.

Etymology

The term is a combination of the Latin 'super' meaning 'above' or 'beyond' and the Latin 'fluidus' meaning 'flowing.' It was coined by physicists in the mid-20th century to describe the extraordinary flow characteristics observed in quantum-cooled liquids.

In the news

While not directly detailed in the main body text, the term appears in the article's related reading links as a milestone in quantum physics experiments where matter transitions between strange, frictionless states.

NASA is creating a fifth state of matter on the ISS, thanks to an upgrade to a mini-fridge-sized quantum lab

Read the full article ↗

Live Science

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