Usage Note
Épaisseur derives from épais (thick). It measures the third dimension of an object (its depth/thickness) as opposed to its length or width. Figuratively, l'épaisseur d'un personnage means a character's depth or complexity. The phrase dans l'épaisseur de la nuit (in the depths of the night) is literary.
Examples
"Quelle est l'épaisseur de cette planche?"
Natural Translation
What is the thickness of this plank?

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