thickening

[ thik-uh-ning ]

noun

1. a making or becoming thick.
2. a thickened part or area; swelling.
3. something used to thicken; thickener.

thickening

/ ˈθɪkənɪŋ /

noun

1. something added to a liquid to thicken it
2. a thickened part or piece

Word History and Origins

Origin of thickening¹

First recorded in 1570–80; thicken + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Some developed a thickening of their womb linings, a potential precursor to cancer.

From BBC

Even a slight thickening of myelin -- in this case, by several hundred nanometers -- can affect brain function and behavior.

From Science Daily

Carrageenan is derived from a seaweed, to add a thickening texture and preserve the product.

From Seattle Times

The juxtaposed images show the Central Valley turning from brown to a deep green and snow thickening substantially in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

It works by thinning the lining of the uterus, which can prevent sperm from reaching an egg by thickening mucus in the cervix — but it’s not 100 percent effective.

From Salon

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