- Consistency
- Consistence Con*sist"ence, Consistency Con*sist"en*cy, n.
[Cf. F. consistance.]
1. The condition of standing or adhering together, or being
fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence;
firmness; coherence; solidity.
[1913 Webster]
Water, being divided, maketh many circles, till it restore itself to the natural consistence. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
We are as water, weak, and of no consistence. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
The same form, substance, and consistency. --T. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
2. A degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or spissitude; a measure of the ability to hold together when manipulated.
Syn: body. [1913 Webster]
Let the expressed juices be boiled into the consistence of a sirup. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]
3. That which stands together as a united whole; a combination. [1913 Webster]
The church of God, as meaning the whole consistence of orders and members. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
4. Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality; durability; persistency. [1913 Webster]
His friendship is of a noble make and a lasting consistency. --South. [1913 Webster]
5. Agreement or harmony of all parts of a complex thing among themselves, or of the same thing with itself at different times; the harmony of conduct with profession; congruity; correspondence; as, the consistency of laws, regulations, or judicial decisions; consistency of opinions; consistency of conduct or of character. [1913 Webster]
That consistency of behavior whereby he inflexibly pursues those measures which appear the most just. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
Consistency, thou art a jewel. --Popular Saying. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.