non-liquid
|non-li-quid|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˈlɪkwɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈlɪkwɪd/
not liquid; not easily converted to cash
Etymology
'non-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'non', where the prefix meant 'not'. 'liquid' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'liquidus', where 'liqu-' related to 'to flow' or 'be fluid'.
'liquid' entered English via Old French (liquide) and Middle English as 'liquid', and the combining prefix 'non-' has been used in Modern English to form compounds (e.g. non-...) to indicate negation; the compound 'non-liquid' is a straightforward modern English formation combining these elements.
Initially the components meant 'not' and 'fluid/flowing'; over time the compound preserved the literal sense 'not liquid' and gained a specialized financial sense 'not easily converted to cash'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or item that is not liquid; in finance, an asset that is not easily converted into cash.
The portfolio includes several non-liquids such as long-term real estate holdings.
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Adjective 1
not in a liquid state; not fluid (contrast with 'liquid').
At room temperature the sample remained non-liquid and crystalline.
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Adjective 2
(Finance) Not easily converted to cash; not readily marketable (synonymous with 'illiquid').
Many of the company's assets are non-liquid and would take time to sell.
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Last updated: 2025/08/28 01:54