Dents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dents

[dษ›nts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

physical damage

Dents are small depressions or indentations in a surface, typically caused by impact or pressure. They are commonly found on vehicles, furniture, and various materials. Dents can often be repaired through various methods, but may also affect the aesthetic appearance of the item.

Synonyms

depression, dimple, indentation, mark.

Examples of usage

  • There are several dents on the car door.
  • He tried to fix the dent on his bicycle frame.
  • The table has a dent from where it was hit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Everyday Life

  • Cars often develop noticeable dents during accidents, leading to specialized repair techniques like PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) that keeps the vehicle's original paint intact.
  • In furniture, dents can devalue pieces, which has led to a surge in DIY methods for fixing wooden surfaces.

Science

  • Dents can reveal how materials react under stress; engineers study them to improve safety in design and durability.
  • The study of dent formation in various materials helps in understanding the physical properties of metals and plastics.

Art

  • In sculpture, dents can be intentional, adding texture and depth, as seen in the works of abstract artists who play with shape and form.
  • Denting techniques are used by potters to create unique patterns on clay surfaces, showcasing creativity in everyday objects.

Psychology

  • Metaphorically, surmounting personal 'dents' in life can symbolize resilienceโ€”how people bounce back from challenges or trauma.
  • The concept of โ€˜emotional dentsโ€™ reflects how oneโ€™s experiences can leave lasting impacts, similar to how physical dents mark objects.

Origin of 'dents'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dent' comes from the Latin word 'dentare,' which means 'tooth,' referring to the shape of a tooth-like indentation.
  • Historically, it was used in the late 14th century to describe surfaces that were not smooth, emphasizing alterations caused by impact.

The word 'dent' originates from the Middle English term 'dente,' which was derived from the Old French word 'dent,' meaning 'tooth.' This etymological root is reflective of the idea of a tooth-like indentation or mark, akin to the shape created when an object is pressed or struck against a surface. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer specifically to any small depression or damage on a surface, not limited to a tooth-like appearance. The term has been used in various contexts, including automotive, furniture repair, and physical descriptions of surfaces since the 19th century, highlighting its versatility in the English language. Today, it is widely used in both casual and technical contexts to describe both physical damages as well as metaphorically to indicate any kind of slight damage or imperfection.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,409, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.