þykknar

þykknar is an Old Norse word with the primary meaning of "thickening" or "becoming thick." It can refer to the physical process of a liquid or substance increasing in viscosity or density. For example, it could describe the way soup thickens as it simmers or how sap becomes thicker in colder temperatures.

Beyond its literal sense, þykknar can also be used metaphorically. It might describe a situation becoming more serious or intense, as in "the tension thickened." In a more abstract sense, it could imply the accumulation or growing complexity of something, such as ideas or problems. The word's usage is context-dependent, drawing its specific nuance from the surrounding text.

Etymologically, þykknar derives from the Old Norse adjective "þykkr," meaning "thick." This root connects it to similar words in other Germanic languages. Understanding þykknar provides insight into the descriptive vocabulary and conceptualization of change and density within the Old Norse language. Its simplicity belies a range of applications, from the mundane to the more abstract.