Library / English Dictionary

THICKEN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Become thick or thicker

Example:

The egg yolk will inspissate

Synonyms:

inspissate; thicken

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "thicken" is one way to...):

change state; turn (undergo a transformation or a change of position or action)

Verb group:

inspissate; thicken (make thick or thicker)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Antonym:

thin (lose thickness; become thin or thinner)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make thick or thicker

Example:

inspissate the tar so that it becomes pitch

Synonyms:

inspissate; thicken

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "thicken" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Cause:

inspissate; thicken (become thick or thicker)

Verb group:

inspissate; thicken (become thick or thicker)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Antonym:

thin (make thin or thinner)

Derivation:

thickener (any material used to thicken)

thickening (the act of thickening)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Make viscous or dense

Example:

thicken the sauce by adding flour

Synonyms:

inspissate; thicken

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "thicken" is one way to...):

change integrity (change in physical make-up)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

thickener (any material used to thicken)

thickening (the act of thickening)

Credits

 Context examples: 

The choice of the particular binder or thickening agent is dependent upon the desired properties of adhesive strength and thickness.

(Binder Excipient, NCI Thesaurus)

In addition, thickening of the cervical mucus and the endometrium is promoted, thereby altering the endometrium in such a way as to discourage implantation.

(Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol, NCI Thesaurus)

A rare congenital disorder characterized by thickening or expansion of the bones.

(Congenital Cortical Hyperostosis, NCI Thesaurus)

Any of a group of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas that begins in the skin as an itchy, red rash that can thicken or form a tumor.

(cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, NCI Dictionary)

It is further characterized by an inflammatory reaction in the glomerular capillaries due to the deposition of immune complexes and subsequent thickening of the glomerular basement membrane.

(Nephrotic Syndrome with Lesion of Membranous Glomerulonephritis, NCI Thesaurus)

Signs and symptoms include generalized fatigue, lethargy, increased body weight, pale, edematous and thickened skin, low blood pressure, constipation and cold intolerance.

(Myxedema, NCI Thesaurus)

A thickened surface layer of ectodermal cells found at the end of each limb bud in the developing embryo.

(Apical Ectodermal Ridge, NCI Thesaurus)

Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the nerve to be compressed.

(Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

A group of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked inherited or acquired disorders characterized by the thickening of the palms and soles due to hyperkeratosis.

(Palmoplantar Keratoderma, NCI Thesaurus)

A syndrome characterized by enlargement of the hands, feet, ears, nose, lips, and tongue, skin thickening and swelling of internal organs.

(Acromegaly, NCI Thesaurus)