noun
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something added to a liquid to thicken it
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a thickened part or piece
Etymology
Origin of thickening
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—the thickening of heart muscles—it was 56 steps.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 19, 2026
The process relies on carefully controlled streams of thyme extract, gelatin, sodium alginate -- a commonly used thickening agent in the food industry -- and oil.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 17, 2026
These polar "geoengineering" techniques aim to cool the planet in unconventional ways, such as artificially thickening sea-ice or releasing tiny, reflective particles into the atmosphere.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2025
They gather shortly after daybreak outside a minimarket, the tropical heat thickening, the dawn haze in lethargic retreat.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2025
For a time she carried these letters in her book bag, to her classes, thickening her agenda.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.