WordGarden.iodensity
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɛnsɪti/
US
- /ˈdɛnsəti/
Meanings
Noun
the degree to which people, things, or material are packed into a given space
a physical measure of mass per unit volume
the degree to which writing, ideas, or information are packed tightly together
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're packing a suitcase. You can cram a lot of heavy books into a small space, or fill the same space with fluffy sweaters. The suitcase packed with books has higher density—more mass squeezed into the same volume. Density isn't just about how heavy something is overall; it's about how tightly packed the material is. A tiny lead weight is much denser than a large balloon filled with air, even though the balloon takes up way more space! We talk about density in science (like why oil floats on water), but also in everyday talk—like "the city had a high population density," meaning lots of people lived close together.
Density describes how much mass is contained within a given volume. Think of it as a measure of "compactness." It's not the same as weight! A large log might be heavier than a small rock, but the rock is likely denser because its mass is packed into a smaller space.
Scientists calculate density by dividing an object's mass (how much "stuff" it contains) by its volume (the amount of space it takes up). This gives us a number that tells us how tightly packed the matter within that object is. For example, gold has a very high density—meaning a small piece of gold weighs a lot for its size. Cork, on the other hand, has low density and floats easily in water.
But density isn't limited to science class! We use it figuratively too. You might hear someone say "the neighborhood had a high population density," meaning lots of people lived close together in a small area. Or you could describe a novel as having "narrative density"—packed with events and details.
Understanding density helps us explain why some things float, sink, or feel heavier than others. It's a fundamental property of matter that impacts everything from the construction of ships to the formation of planets! So next time you compare two objects, think about how much "stuff" is squeezed into their space—you're thinking about density.
Examples
- 1
Physical science
Ice floats because it has a lower density than liquid water.
- 2
Population
The island has a low population density, so the towns are far apart.
- 3
Medical check
Doctors often check bone density in older adults.
- 4
Urban planning
The new plan would increase housing density near the train station.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Information load
The report is useful, but the density of information makes it slow to read.
- Phrasedensity of information
how much information is packed into something
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- sparsity
- openness
Used with (collocations)
- population density
- high density
- low density
- material density
Word family
Explore
- mass per unit volume
- specific gravity
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- densitynoun
Forms
- densitiespluralnoun