The characteristic of lacking a fixed volume and form describes a state of matter where the substance expands to fill any available space. Common examples include gases such as air, helium, and steam. These substances readily adapt to the dimensions of their container, neither maintaining a consistent size nor holding a specific contour independently.
This property is fundamental to various industrial processes and natural phenomena. The ability to compress or expand according to pressure and temperature gradients is crucial in applications ranging from pneumatic systems to weather patterns. Historically, understanding this behavior has led to significant advancements in thermodynamics and engineering, enabling innovations like internal combustion engines and refrigeration technologies.