Definition of "dent" in English

noun

1. A shallow deformation in the surface of an object, produced by an impact.

   • The crash produced a dent in the left side of the car.

2. (figurative) A minor effect made upon something.

   • to make a dent

3. A type of maize/corn with a relatively soft outer hull, and a soft type of starch that shrinks at maturity to leave an indentation in the surface of the kernel.

4. (by extension, informal) A sudden negative change, such as loss, damage, weakening, consumption or diminution, especially one produced by an external force, event or action

   • That purchase put a bit of a dent in my wallet.

verb

1. (transitive) To impact something, producing a dent.

2. (intransitive) To develop a dent or dents.

   • Copper is soft and dents easily.

noun

1. (engineering) A tooth, as of a card, a gear wheel, etc.

2. (weaving) A slot or a wire in a reed