Quasi-solid

{{Short description|Matter apparently intermediate between solids and liquids}} {{More references|date=December 2009}} '''Quasi-solid''', '''false-solid''', or '''partial-solid''', or '''semi-solid''' are terms for a substance which is not clearly a solid or a liquid. While similar to solids in some respects, such as having the ability to support their own weight and hold their shapes, a quasi-solid also shares some properties of liquids, such as conforming in shape to something applying pressure to it and the ability to flow under pressure.{{cn|date=March 2022}} The words quasi-solid, partial-solid, and partial-liquid are used interchangeably. The term "semi-solid" is sometimes used interchangeably with these terms but is not a correct term, as "semi" means two equal halves.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Quasi-solids and partial-solids are sometimes described as amorphous because at the microscopic scale they have a disordered structure unlike crystalline solids.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} They should not be confused with amorphous solids as they are not solids and exhibit properties such as flow which solids do not.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

==Examples== * Pharmaceutical and cosmetic creams, gels, and ointments,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2 – Semi-Solids – Visual Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering Equipment |url=https://encyclopedia.che.engin.umich.edu/2-semi-solids/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=encyclopedia.che.engin.umich.edu}}</ref> e.g. petroleum jelly, toothpaste, hand sanitizer * Foods, e.g. guacamole, salsa, whipping cream, dessert, jam * Feces

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Quasi-Solid}} Category:Phases of matter