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Thinning: meaning, definitions and examples

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thinning

 

[ ˈθɪnɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

removal process

Thinning refers to the process of making something less dense or less thick, often by removing some of its parts. In various contexts, it can apply to materials like wood, hair, or even liquids. For example, tree thinning in forestry involves selectively removing certain trees to allow more light and space for the remaining trees to grow. In hair care, thinning may involve cutting hair in a way to reduce its volume or manageability. Thinning can also apply in cooking where a sauce may be thinned out with water or broth.

Synonyms

diminishing, lightening, paring down, reducing

Examples of usage

  • The gardener is thinning the plants for better growth.
  • She decided to thin her hair to make it more manageable.
  • We are thinning the forest to promote healthier trees.
  • He thinned the paint to achieve a smoother application.

Translations

Translations of the word "thinning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afinamento

🇮🇳 पतला करना

🇩🇪 Verdünnung

🇮🇩 pengurangan

🇺🇦 зменшення

🇵🇱 przerzedzanie

🇯🇵 薄化

🇫🇷 éclaircissement

🇪🇸 adelgazamiento

🇹🇷 inceltme

🇰🇷 희석

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 zředění

🇸🇰 zriedenie

🇨🇳 稀释

🇸🇮 redčenje

🇮🇸 þynnka

🇰🇿 жіңішке

🇬🇪 დაფარება

🇦🇿 incəlmə

🇲🇽 adelgazamiento

Word origin

The word 'thinning' comes from the Old English word 'þynn', which meant 'to make thin or weak'. The evolution of the term over centuries has reflected various usage expansions beyond just physical thinning. In the Middle Ages, it began to make its way into agricultural contexts, referring to the practice of removing certain crops to enhance the growth of others. By the 18th century, 'thinning' started to be commonly used in various sectors, including fashion with the advent of hairstyles and textiles designed to be less dense. Today, it encompasses a wide array of activities and disciplines, from botany to woodworking and cosmetic care.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,286, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.