ooblick
 /oo'blik/, n.

    [from the Dr. Seuss title Bartholomew and the Oobleck; the spelling
    ?oobleck? is still current in the mainstream] A bizarre semi-liquid sludge
    made from cornstarch and water. Enjoyed among hackers who make batches
    during playtime at parties for its amusing and extremely non-Newtonian
    behavior; it pours and splatters, but resists rapid motion like a solid and
    will even crack when hit by a hammer. Often found near lasers.

    Here is a field-tested ooblick recipe contributed by GLS:

      + 1 cup cornstarch

      + 1 cup baking soda

      + 3/4 cup water

      + N drops of food coloring

    This recipe isn't quite as non-Newtonian as a pure cornstarch ooblick, but
    has an appropriately slimy feel.

    Some, however, insist that the notion of an ooblick recipe is far too
    mechanical, and that it is best to add the water in small increments so
    that the various mixed states the cornstarch goes through as it becomes
    ooblick can be grokked in fullness by many hands. For optional ingredients
    of this experience, see the Ceremonial Chemicals section of Appendix B.