density

[ den-si-tee ]

noun

, plural den·si·ties.

1. the state or quality of being dense; compactness; closely set or crowded condition.
2. stupidity; slow-wittedness; obtuseness.
3. the number of inhabitants, dwellings, or the like, per unit area:

   The commissioner noted that the population density of certain city blocks had fallen dramatically.

4. Physics. mass per unit volume.
5. Electricity.
   1. the quantity of electricity per unit of volume at a point in space, or the quantity per unit of area at a point on a surface.
   2. current density.
6. the degree of opacity of a substance, medium, etc., that transmits light.
7. Photography. the relative degree of opacity of an area of a negative or transparency, often expressed logarithmically.
8. Computers. a measure of the compactness of data saved on a storage medium, as disk or tape, or displayed on an electronic screen.

density

/ ˈdɛnsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the degree to which something is filled, crowded, or occupied

   high density of building in towns

2. obtuseness; stupidity
3. a measure of the compactness of a substance, expressed as its mass per unit volume. It is measured in kilograms per cubic metre or pounds per cubic foot ρ See also relative density
4. a measure of a physical quantity per unit of length, area, or volume See charge density current density
5. physics photog See transmission density reflection density

density

/ dĕn′sĭ-tē /

1. A measure of the quantity of some physical property (usually mass) per unit length, area, or volume (usually volume).
2. ◆ Mass density is a measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. Most substances (especially gases such as air) increase in density as their pressure is increases or as their temperature decreases.
3. ◆ Energy density is a measure of the amount of energy (often in the form of electromagnetic radiation) per unit volume in a region of space or some material.
4. See also Boyle's law

density

1. The relative heaviness of objects, measured in units of mass or weight per units of volume . ( See specific gravity .)

Other Words From

• non·densi·ty noun
• super·densi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of density¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin dēnsitās, equivalent to dēns(us) dense + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

If such a lot is in a so-called high-opportunity area near jobs and good schools, developers won’t face a total unit cap and will be restricted only by what they can fit on the site given other limitations on height and density.

From Los Angeles Times

Three different machines help to counter the effect of living in zero gravity, which reduces bone density.

From BBC

It builds muscle strength and bone density and is good for cardio metabolic health, especially for women.

From Los Angeles Times

We lose muscle and bone density as we age.

From Los Angeles Times

In more recent history, population density in cities has gathered pace.

From BBC

Related Words

• frequency
• quantity
• thickness