Density Meaning and Definition
Density
Pronunciation
/nənˈsɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A measure of the amount of mass per unit volume of a substance or object, typically represented by the symbol ρ (rho) in physics and engineering.
Etymology
The word “density” comes from the Latin “densus”, meaning “thick” or “dense”, and has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the concentration of particles or mass in a given space.
Usage Notes
In scientific and technical contexts, density is often used to describe the mass per unit volume of a material, such as the density of a metal, liquid, or gas.
Cultural References
Density has appeared in popular culture in references such as the film “The Matrix”, where the character Morpheus explains that “the Matrix is a prison for your mind, and density is the key to escape.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Dense fog”: a type of fog that is difficult to penetrate
- “Dense population”: a large number of people living in a small area
Related Words or Phrases
- Porosity: the state of having pores or hollow spaces within a material
- Mass: the amount of matter in an object
Collocations
- “High density”: a high concentration of particles or mass
- “Low density”: a low concentration of particles or mass
Frequency of Use
Density is a common term used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts, with a frequency of use similar to that of words such as “medium” or “liquid”.
Common Misspellings
- Desnity
- Dimness