thick

Thick is an adjective describing an object with relatively large distance between opposite surfaces or sides, i.e., not thin. The precise meaning depends on context; thickness is a dimension measured perpendicular to a reference face.

In manufacturing and engineering, thickness is a key specification for materials like metal, glass, film, and coatings. Common units are millimeters or micrometers. Measurement methods include calipers, micrometers, and optical profilometry. Tolerances specify acceptable deviations.

In fluid dynamics, thickness often relates to viscosity—the resistance of a liquid to flow. A thick or viscous liquid (for example, syrup) flows slowly. Some liquids change thickness with shear rate or temperature; additives can thicken liquids, while thinning agents reduce thickness.

In computing and information technology, thick appears in phrases such as thick client, indicating software that performs substantial processing on the client side rather than relying on a server.

In everyday language, thick can describe textures, such as thick bread or sauce. In popular culture, the term is sometimes used to describe a curvy body, reflecting a specific aesthetic expression.