1. a substance added to liquids to make them thicker or more viscous
Usage: cooking; food preparation
2. a device or machine that increases the thickness or consistency of a material
Usage: industrial; technical

Examples

• She added cornstarch as a thickener to the soup.
• The recipe calls for flour as a thickener for the gravy.
• Arrowroot powder works well as a natural thickener.
• The paint manufacturer uses a mechanical thickener in production.
• Xanthan gum is a popular thickener in gluten-free baking.
• The sauce needs a thickener to achieve the right consistency.