thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing ˈthi-kə-niŋ 

ˈthik-

1

: a thickened part or place

2

: the act of making or becoming thick

3

: something used to thicken

Examples of thickening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These amino acids may protect against the development of atherosclerosis, or the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 July 2025

Connor advised seeing a doctor if symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, separation from the nail bed, brittleness, or pain around the nail persist. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

Studies show that nitrates may minimize the thickening of blood vessels that may cause heart disease (atherosclerosis). —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

The researchers looked specifically at subclinical atherosclerosis, early-stage artery thickening, and major heart and vascular problems over time, such as heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations, or deaths due to ASVD. —New Atlas, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thickening

• quickening
• sickening

Kids Definition

thickening

noun

thick·​en·​ing

1

: the act of making or becoming thick

underwent a gradual thickening

2

: a thickened part or place

3

: something used to thicken