# Reynolds number

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A dimensionless parameter that determines the behavior of viscous flow patterns. In pipe flow a value less than about 2,000 (known as the critical Reynolds number) produces laminar flow, one above about 3,000 produces turbulent flow (intermediate values produce unpredictable behavior).

## Etymology
Named after British engineer Osborne Reynolds.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/reynolds-number