consistency

• IPA^(key): /kənˈsɪstənsi/

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• Hyphenation: con‧sis‧ten‧cy

consistency (countable and uncountable, plural consistencies)

1. Local coherence.
2. Correspondence or compatibility.
3. Reliability or uniformity; the quality of being consistent.

   They want to achieve a high degree of consistency in their process and their product.

   • 1716 January 6 (Gregorian calendar), Joseph Addison, “The Free-holder: No. 2. Monday, December 26. [1715.]”, in The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison, Esq; […], volume IV, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], published 1721, →OCLC:

     That consistency of behaviour whereby he inflexibly pursues those measures which appear the most just.

4. The degree of viscosity of something.

   Mix it until it has the consistency of a thick paste.

   • 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:

     As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels.

5. (logic) Freedom from contradiction; the state of a system of axioms such that none of the propositions deduced from them are mutually contradictory.
6. (obsolete) Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality; durability; persistency.
   • 1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, 6th edition, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: […] J[ames] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer, […], published 1727, →OCLC:

     His friendship is of a noble make and a lasting consistency.

• inconsistency

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• consistence
• consistent