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REFERENCE

thicker

adj. · adv.
US //ˈθɪkɝ// UK //θˈɪkɐ// thick·er
  1. 1 greater width or depth (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having a larger distance between two sides than something else.

    denoting a greater measurement between opposite surfaces or a larger diameter than a reference object.

    Example

    You should wear a thicker coat because it is snowing outside.

    Example

    The architect specified a thicker grade of glass for the ground-floor windows to improve both insulation and security against potential intruders.

  2. 2 less watery (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    describing a liquid that is more solid or flows more slowly.

    referring to a fluid with higher viscosity or a more dense consistency.

    Example

    The sauce became thicker after I let it cook for ten more minutes.

    Example

    By reducing the stock over a high flame, the chef achieved a much thicker consistency that coated the back of a spoon perfectly.

    • runnier
    • waterier
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  1. 3 more crowded (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having more things or people close together in one place.

    characterised by a higher density or concentration of constituent elements.

    Example

    The forest grew thicker as we walked further away from the path.

    Example

    As the humidity rose, the fog became noticeably thicker, reducing visibility to less than ten metres for the approaching vessels.

    • sparser
  2. 4 in a more dense way (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that creates a deeper or more crowded layer.

    the comparative adverbial form, indicating a more dense or frequent distribution.

    Example

    The snow began to fall thicker and faster as night approached.

    Example

    The paint must be applied thicker on the exterior surfaces to ensure the wood is fully protected from the coastal salt air.

    • more densely
    • more thinly
Idioms1 entry

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