I. noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English thiknesse, from Old English thicnes, from thicce, adjective, thick + -nes -ness
1. : the quality or state of being thick
2. : the smallest of three dimensions
the length, width, and thickness of a sheet of paper
the length, height, and thickness of a wall
the length, circumference, and thickness of a log
3.
a. : viscous consistency
boiled to the thickness of honey
b. : the condition of being smoky, foul, or foggy — used of the air
4.
a. : roughness or harshness of breathing
b. : dullness of hearing
c. : a blurring or indistinctness of speech
5. : the thick part of something
this winding stair had been constructed in the thickness of the castle wall — Sax Rohmer
6. : density of aggregation : concentration
the relative thickness of population in any given area — Edward Sapir
7. : dullness of mind or perception : stupidity
made up my mind to forgive your thickness — Anne Green
8. : layer , ply , sheet
the number of thicknesses of boxboard was reduced from 244 to 60 — Paper Trade Journal
a single thickness of canvas
9. : fullness of content or meaning : firmness , solidity , voluminousness
that forgotten moral thickness for which so many of us were sick — Herbert Gold
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
1. : to make uniform in thickness (as flooring planks)
2. : to cover or coat in thicknessing