dense

adjective

\ ˈden(t)s

denser; densest

Definition of dense

1a : marked by compactness or crowding together of parts dense vegetation dense traffic

b chemistry : having a high mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) per unit volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2) Carbon dioxide is a dense gas. The cake was overly sweet and dense.

2a : slow to understand : stupid, thickheaded was too dense to get the joke

b : extreme dense ignorance

3 mathematics : having between any two elements at least one element The set of rational numbers is dense.

4 : demanding concentration to follow or comprehend dense prose

5 : having high or relatively high opacity (see opacity sense 2) a dense fog a dense photographic negative

Other Words from dense Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dense

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Choose the Right Synonym for dense

stupid, dull, dense, crass, dumb mean lacking in power to absorb ideas or impressions. stupid implies a slow-witted or dazed state of mind that may be either congenital or temporary. stupid students just keeping the seats warm stupid with drink dull suggests a slow or sluggish mind such as results from disease, depression, or shock. monotonous work that leaves the mind dull dense implies a thickheaded imperviousness to ideas. too dense to take a hint crass suggests a grossness of mind precluding discrimination or delicacy. a crass, materialistic people dumb applies to an exasperating obtuseness or lack of comprehension. too dumb to figure out what's going on

dense, thick, and compact mean having parts that are gathered tightly together. dense is used of something in which the parts are very close together. They lost their way in the dense forest. thick is used of something that has many small parts that form a single mass. He has a thick head of hair. compact is used of something that has a close and firm gathering of parts, especially within a small area. The laptop has a compact design.

Examples of dense in a Sentence

They cut a path through the dense jungle. a dense tangle of wires a dense cluster of stars That part of the city has a dense population of immigrants. A dense mass of spectators filled the courtroom. In the movie, she plays his kind but somewhat dense aunt.

Recent Examples on the Web

After all, our region’s natural ecosystem is a dense coniferous forest that supports thousands of unique plant and animal species. — Colin Mccrate, The Seattle Times, "Our native evergreen huckleberry brings dynamic color and oodles of fruit to your edible shade garden," 20 Feb. 2019 Previously, scientists thought the layer was simply dense connective tissue. — National Geographic, "New Human 'Organ' Was Hiding in Plain Sight," 27 Mar. 2018 Why just 12 when Capellix is capable of being so dense? — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "RGB fans, rejoice: Corsair's new Capellix LED technology is about to change everything," 10 Jan. 2019 Solid ice is actually less dense than liquid water (this is why icebergs float in the ocean). — Brian Resnick, Vox, "The surprising science of why ice is so slippery," 31 Jan. 2019 In 1956, the ocean liner Stockholm collided with the Italian ship Andrea Doria in dense fog near Nantucket Island. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Bernard Milch, Holocaust Survivor, Founded Firm to Equip Coin Laundries," 18 Jan. 2019 Much of the fighting was hand-to-hand, waged in dense fog and winds of up to 120 mph. — Melinda Morris, NOLA.com, "Louisiana soldier killed during training in Texas is laid to rest: report," 28 May 2018 Much of the fighting was hand-to-hand, waged in dense fog and winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph). — Washington Post, "Bloody but forgotten WWII battle still haunts soldiers," 27 May 2018 Sheets of rain had turned the steep streets of the historic town into rivulets, and the surrounding hilltops were shrouded in a dense, milky fog, known locally as Rousdon Mist. — David Shaftel, New York Times, "Searching for Dinosaurs in a Seaside English Town," 23 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.