thinner

¹ American  

[thin-er] / ˈθɪn ər /

noun

1. a volatile liquid, as turpentine, used to dilute paint, varnish, rubber cement, etc., to the desired or proper consistency.

2. a person who adds thinners to paints, varnishes, etc.

3. a person who specializes in weeding plants, pruning shrubbery, thinning fruit, etc.

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thinner ² American  

[thin-er] / ˈθɪn ər /

adjective

1. comparative of thin.

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thinner British  

/ ˈθɪnə /

noun

1. (often plural, functioning as singular) a solvent, such as turpentine, added to paint or varnish to dilute it, reduce its opacity or viscosity, or increase its penetration into the ground

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Etymology

Origin of thinner

First recorded in 1825–35; thin + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“More people are struggling to pay for care and basic needs than ever before and the safety net’s being stretched thinner and thinner,” Balch said.

From The Wall Street Journal

When heating intensifies, the ice shell can melt and become thinner.

From Science Daily

Arlo was later found to have a blocked artery in the back of his neck supplying blood to the brain and was given blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.

From BBC

It recommends the jabs for people who are overweight with obesity-related health risks, not people who just want to get a bit thinner.

From BBC

At altitude the air is 'thinner' as it is under less pressure, meaning that each inflation of the lungs draws about a fifth less oxygen into the body.

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate
• fragile
• gaunt
• lean
• meager
• narrow
• skinny
• slim
• small