Definition

A substance that is added to a liquid or mixture to make it thicker.

Example

The chef used a thickener to improve the texture of the sauce.

Conversation

Have you ever used a thickener in your recipes?

Yeah, I tried cornstarch once, and it worked really well.

I might need to get some thickener for my soup to make it creamier.

That's a great idea! It will definitely enhance the flavor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thickener → It is formed from "thick" (from Old English *þicce*, meaning having a large distance between opposite sides) and "-ener" (a suffix used to indicate a person or thing that performs a specific action). A thickener is something that makes a substance thicker or denser.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes a substance 'thicker' — that's what a thickener does.

Visually Confused Words