consistency

[kuh n-sis-tuh n-see] /kənˈsɪs tən si/
noun, plural consistencies.
1.
a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc.:
The liquid has the consistency of cream.
2.
steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.:
There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
3.
agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing:
consistency of colors throughout the house.
4.
the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.
Also, consistence.
Origin
1585-95; consist(ent) + -ency
Examples from the web for consistency
  • The consistency of chopped wet hay, the dung provides a hiding place for predatory insects and food for snails and fish.
  • They had the consistency of school paste and the density of doorstops.
  • Add enough melted butter to make mixture of the right consistency to shape.
  • Don't ever tell a copy editor that consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
  • Check for consistency in the appearance of your overheads and slides.
  • Lastly, the consistency of course content can also help students have a similar experience across sections.
  • However, there was a suspicious vagueness as to exactly how and when this miracle of consistency would emerge.
  • Cut shortening into flour mixture until consistency resembles small peas.
  • But there is also a deep consistency, both in approach and topic.
  • It has the leaden consistency and gaseous redolence of a diet thick with potatoes.
British Dictionary definitions for consistency

consistency

/kənˈsɪstənsɪ/
noun (pl) -encies, -ences
1.
agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated
2.
agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility
3.
degree of viscosity or firmness
4.
the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape
5.
conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc
Word Origin and History for consistency
n.

1590s, "firmness of matter," from Medieval Latin consistentia or directly from Latin consistentem, from consistere (see consist). Meaning "state of being in agreement or harmony" (with something) is from 1650s; meaning "self-consistent" is from 1716.