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Dense Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dense

[dɛns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

scientific research

Closely compacted in substance; having parts closely packed together; heavy; difficult to penetrate or understand.

Synonyms

compact, concentrated, solid, thick.

Examples of usage

  • The dense fog made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
  • The dense jungle was full of unseen dangers.
  • Her writing style is dense and requires careful analysis to fully grasp.
  • The scientist presented his dense research findings in a comprehensive report.
  • The textbook was filled with dense information on the topic.
Context #2 | Adjective

population

Having many people, objects, or elements in a small area; crowded or closely packed together.

Synonyms

compact, congested, crowded, thick.

Examples of usage

  • The city center was dense with skyscrapers and bustling streets.
  • The dense forest was home to a variety of wildlife species.
  • The dense population in the area led to traffic congestion and limited resources.
  • The neighborhood had a dense concentration of shops and restaurants.
  • The apartment building had a dense layout with many units on each floor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, density is defined as the mass of a substance divided by its volume, explaining why some objects sink while others float.
  • Water is often used as a reference for density, with substances less dense floating and denser substances sinking.
  • Astronomically, black holes are regions of space that are incredibly dense, compressing a huge amount of mass into a very small area.

Literature

  • In literature, a dense text may have complex language or ideas that require careful reading and thought.
  • Classic novels often contain dense narrative structures, with multiple characters and intricate plots that reward deep analysis.
  • Poets may use density in their work to evoke rich imagery and layered meanings, encouraging readers to explore beneath the surface.

Pop Culture

  • In film, a dense plot can signify a story that requires audience members to pay close attention to understand the twists and turns.
  • Comics sometimes use dense panels filled with action or dialogue to convey an intense moment in the story.
  • A 'dense' character in movies might be portrayed as struggling to grasp simple concepts, often for comedic effect.

Psychology

  • In psychology, a dense conversation can refer to when people discuss heavy topics that require deep thinking and emotional engagement.
  • Procedures can become dense if they are overly complicated, making it harder for people to understand or follow them.
  • Cognitive density in learning refers to the quality of information presented; more dense material may require more study and concentration.

Origin of 'dense'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'densus,' meaning thick or closely packed.
  • In English, 'dense' has been used since the late 14th century to describe something that is thick or heavy.
  • Over time, the word has taken on additional meanings, like referring to a complicated idea as 'dense.'

The word 'dense' originated from the Latin word 'densus', meaning thick or crowded. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various meanings related to compactness, heaviness, and complexity. In scientific contexts, 'dense' is used to describe substances with closely packed particles, while in urban settings, it refers to areas with high population density. The history of 'dense' reflects its versatile usage across different fields and its enduring relevance in describing various forms of compactness and intensity.

See also: densely, densification, density.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,401, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.