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Thicken: meaning, definitions and examples

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thicken

 

[ ˈθɪkən ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

cooking

To make or become thicker in consistency, typically by adding flour, cornstarch, or other ingredients.

Synonyms

clot, coagulate, congeal, solidify

Examples of usage

  • The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
  • If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it with a roux.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To become more dense or compact.

Synonyms

deepen, intensify, strengthen

Examples of usage

  • The fog began to thicken as the evening went on.
  • The plot of the movie started to thicken as more secrets were revealed.

Translations

Translations of the word "thicken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engrossar

🇮🇳 गाढ़ा करना

🇩🇪 verdicken

🇮🇩 mengentalkan

🇺🇦 згущувати

🇵🇱 zagęszczać

🇯🇵 濃くする (こくする)

🇫🇷 épaissir

🇪🇸 espesar

🇹🇷 kalınlaştırmak

🇰🇷 두껍게 하다

🇸🇦 تكثيف

🇨🇿 zahušťovat

🇸🇰 zahusťovať

🇨🇳 变稠 (biàn chóu)

🇸🇮 zgoščevati

🇮🇸 þykkja

🇰🇿 қоюлату

🇬🇪 გასქელება

🇦🇿 qalınlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 espesar

Etymology

The word 'thicken' originated from the Middle English word 'thiknen', which is a combination of 'thik' (meaning 'thick') and the suffix '-nen' (indicating a verb). The concept of making something thicker has been a part of cooking and other processes for centuries, with various methods used to achieve the desired consistency in different substances.

See also: thick, thicket, thickness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,870, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.