density
n.-
1 mass per volume (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencehow heavy or thick a substance is for its size.
the mass per unit volume of a substance. Uncountable in a general scientific context but countable when referring to specific values.
ExampleLead has a much higher density than aluminium, which is why it feels so heavy.
ExampleThe scientist calculated the density of the unknown alloy by measuring its displacement in water and comparing it to its dry mass.
- thickness
- compactness
- solidity
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2 population or crowding (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe number of people or things in a specific area.
the number of individuals or units per unit of area, such as population per square kilometre.
ExampleThe population density in the city centre is much higher than in the countryside.
ExampleUrban planners are concerned that increasing the housing density without improving public transport will lead to severe traffic congestion.
- sparseness
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3 probability (n.) C1 Advanced Academic Technical Maththe likelihood of a value falling within a certain range.
the relative likelihood of a continuous random variable taking on a given value; the derivative of the cumulative distribution function.
ExampleThe graph shows the probability density of the test scores.
ExampleIn a normal distribution, the probability density is highest at the mean and tapers off symmetrically toward the tails.
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4 stupidity (n.) C2 Proficiency Informal Humorousthe quality of being slow to understand something.
a figurative extension of 'thickness' referring to a person's inability to comprehend simple concepts or instructions.
ExampleI explained it three times, but his density is sometimes quite surprising.
ExampleDespite the obvious clues left by the investigators, the suspect's sheer density prevented him from realising he was being trapped.
- stupidity
- slowness
Borrowed from Middle French densité or Latin densitas. Morphologically dense + -ity.