consistence

From Middle French. Compare French consistance.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /kənˈsɪst(ə)ns/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /kənˈsɪstəns/

consistence (countable and uncountable, plural consistences)

1. (archaic) The physical quality which is given by the degree of firmness, solidity, density, and viscosity; consistency.
   • Arbuthnot

     Let the expressed juices be boiled into the consistence of a sirup.

2. The staying together, or remaining in close relation, of non-physical things.

   Her performance has lacked consistence over the last year.

   This composer's musical work is of extraordinary consistence.

3. (obsolete) Standing still; quiescence; state of rest.
4. (obsolete) The condition of standing or adhering together, or being fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence; firmness; coherence; solidity.
   • Francis Bacon

     Water, being divided, maketh many circles, till it restore itself to the natural consistence.

   • Jeremy Taylor

     We are as water, weak, and of no consistence.

   • 1830, The Veterinarian

     When it was brought to the school it discharged from its right nostril, a whitish, viscid, clotty matter, which, although of little consistence, strongly adhered to the sides of the nostril.

5. Logical consistency; lack of self-contradiction.
6. (obsolete) That which stands together as a united whole; a combination.
   • Milton

     The church of God, as meaning whole consistence of orders and members.

• consist
• consistency
• consistent