density

noun

den·si·ty | \ ˈden(t)-sə-tē

plural densities

Definition of density

1 : the quality or state of being dense measures of traffic density the density of the cake felt that the candidate's density on the subject of equality was alarming the density of her prose

2 mathematics : the quantity per unit volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2), unit area (see area sense 1), or unit length: such as

a chemistry : the mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) of a substance per unit volume

b chemistry : the distribution of a quantity (such as mass, electricity, or energy) per unit usually of space (such as length, area, or volume)

c : the average number of individuals or units per space unit a population density of 500 per square mile a housing density of 10 houses per acre

3 physics

a : the degree of opacity (see opacity sense 2) of a translucent medium the fog's density

b : the common logarithm of the opacity

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about density

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Examples of density in a Sentence

We were surprised by the fog's density. the density of her writing style These instruments are used for measuring the density of the atmosphere.

Recent Examples on the Web

Spiegel began to research the skeletal differences between cisgender men and women, finding marked differences in their bone shapes and densities. — Serena Daniari, Allure, "The Complicated Process of Undergoing Facial-Feminization Surgery, and Why I Did It," 23 Mar. 2019 For Softness: Medium density & weight, cut pile, wool. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "The Best Carpet Types for a Perfectly Grounded Space," 13 Feb. 2019 Cabbage may have the upper hand in terms nutrient density though. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "Fact: Cabbage Packs the Same Nutritional Benefits as Kale," 7 Jan. 2019 As with glass optics, the shape and density of the optic really matters. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Gas jets make beautiful lens for light we can’t normally focus," 21 Dec. 2018 More density also means more housing, especially along transit corridors and downtown near jobs. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "As cities confront climate change, is density the answer?," 11 Dec. 2018 Because Venus’s upper atmosphere has similar pressure, density, gravity, and radiation protection to Earth’s surface, NASA is considering an airship-style vehicle for exploring the planet. — Fox News, "NASA eyes stunning 'cloud city' airship concept to explore Venus," 16 Oct. 2018 Meantime, the dreamlike density and eeriness linger. — Joan Frank, SFChronicle.com, "‘Kudos,’ by Rachel Cusk," 6 July 2018 The reduction in density in the shin bone was nearly half as large in women taking L. reuteri supplements as in those taking the placebo. — Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, "Probiotics May Be Good for Your Bones," 3 July 2018

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