Thinning: meaning, definitions and examples

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thinning

 

[ˈθɪnɪŋ ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'thinning' comes from the Old English word 'þynn,' meaning thin or slender.
  • Historically, the process of thinning has described various activities, including agriculture, where crops are spaced apart for better growth.

Science

  • In biology, thinning can refer to a reduction in cell density, which may occur in various organisms revealing adaptations to environmental changes.
  • The concept of thinning is essential in forestry, as it can improve the health of remaining trees by reducing competition for resources.

Health & Wellness

  • Hair thinning is a common concern and can result from factors like stress, diet, or genetics.
  • Thinning treatments in dermatology often focus on stimulating hair growth and addressing underlying health issues.

Literature

  • Thinning is frequently used in poetry and prose to evoke feelings of fragility or loss, representing the passage of time and impermanence.
  • Famous works often use thinning imagery to convey emotional states, highlighting characters' vulnerability or change.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, characters experiencing thinning hair or relationships often symbolize aging or challenges, offering relatable narratives.
  • Thinning has become part of modern dialogues about beauty standards, particularly the pressures faced regarding physical appearance.

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 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.