an experimental number used in fluid flow to predict the flow velocity at which the flow regime moves from laminar flow through a transition range and into turbulent flow. It is the dimensionless ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in flowing fluids. It may be viewed as a ratio of the shear stress due to turbulence to the shear stress due to viscosity. Flow with a Reynolds number less than 2000-4000 is laminar flow; that with a Reynolds number greater than 2000-4000 is turbulent flow.