density

noun

den·​si·​ty ˈden(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce density (audio)
plural densities
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 of volume (see volume entry 1 sense 2), unit of area (see area sense 1), or unit of length: such as
a
chemistry : the mass (see mass entry 2 sense 1c) of a substance per unit of volume
pure iron has a density of 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter
b
chemistry : the distribution of a quantity (such as electricity or energy) per unit usually of space (such as length, area, or volume)
The drawback to using ethanol as a complete replacement for gasoline, however, is not only the high cost of its production from cellulose but also its lower energy density.John R. Regalbuto
c
: the average number of individuals or units per unit of space
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

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 Osteoporosis -- a bone disease caused by a loss of bone density and bone mass as well as structural changes to the bone -- is another risk facing postmenopausal women. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2024 Other risk factors for breast cancer include high body mass index (BMI), breast density, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, age, race, and more.23 Who Can Use the Tool? Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2024 This will allow scientists to examine the motion, magnetic structure and density of the region—revealing how magnetic energy within the corona is transferred into heat and ultimately helping determine the strength of solar winds. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024 In Maryland, which has a deficit of 96,000 total housing units, according to the state legislature, Gov. Wes Moore (D) is pushing a bill that would streamline the zoning process and give affordable housing developers a density bonus. Danny Nguyen, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 X-Raying the Cosmos After the Big Bang, subtle density variations in the newborn universe gradually became more pronounced as matter particles glommed onto each other. Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 With current energy density and smaller aircraft, ranges of over 200 miles are easily achievable. Michael Barnard, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Another option is the use of all-solid-state cells, which offer nearly double the energy density of the best-performing lithium-ion batteries, resulting in a smaller and lighter battery pack. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Feb. 2024 Leave a comment View Comments Walking, a common exercise for reaching step-count goals, helps to burn calories, maintain weight and improve bone density, Freeman said. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'density.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see dense

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of density was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near density

Cite this Entry

“Density.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/density. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

density

noun
den·​si·​ty ˈden(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce density (audio)
plural densities
1
: the quality or state of being dense
2
: the quantity of something per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as
a
: the mass of a substance per unit volume
density expressed in grams per cubic centimeter
b
: the average number of individuals or units in a unit of area or volume
a population density of 500 per square mile
3

Medical Definition

density

noun
den·​si·​ty ˈden(t)-sət-ē, -stē How to pronounce density (audio)
plural densities
1
: the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length: as
a
: the mass of a substance per unit volume
b
: the distribution of a quantity (as mass, electricity, or energy) per unit usually of space
c
: the average number of individuals or units per space unit
a population density of 500 per square mile
2
a
: the degree of opacity of a translucent medium

More from Merriam-Webster on density

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