Ropy

Describing a substance that is thick, viscous, and tends to form long, stringy strands or threads. It often implies a slightly unpleasant texture or appearance. The term is frequently used to describe liquids, semi-liquids, or substances that resist easy flow. It can indicate a high concentration of certain components or a specific physical property related to the material's internal structure. Think of materials that pull apart into strands rather than smoothly separating or pouring.

Ropy meaning with examples

• The old honey, left in the jar for too long, had become ropy, with thick strands clinging to the spoon as she stirred it. She had to warm it slowly to make it liquid and easier to pour. The texture was quite off-putting, yet she was still going to use it in a recipe, hoping the heat would fix its consistency.
• The chef noticed that the cheese sauce had developed a ropy consistency after sitting for a while, and it made it harder to work with. He knew that it was starting to spoil. He hoped it would still work well, or he would have to make a whole new batch. Otherwise it would ruin the pasta dish.
• The poorly made glue spread across the paper in a ropy mess, making it difficult to get a smooth finish. Each time she tried to spread the glue, it would form stringy strands which made her task more difficult. The glue was making the whole project harder than it had to be.
• The yogurt had a ropy texture, and the customer took it back to the supermarket. They were worried that it had gone bad. The yogurt should be smooth. This consistency made it difficult to eat and made the customer think the yogurt had spoiled.