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URL: https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/dense.3357715/

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dense

I think it means "packed with a lot of information" in this context.
Irelia, do you look up the words in the WordReference Dictionary at the top of the screen?

The basic meaning is "having parts closely packed together; crowded" and that is what is meant here. There are a great many facts consensed into these two papers, with very little space for the reader to pause and reflect. So it probably be difficult to understand, too!

[Cross-posted.]
Thanks. I see. I have to say I have never posted a thread before consulting dictionaries. Here's the definition I found and where my confusion arose.

dense
4. Difficult to understand because of complexity or obscurity: a dense novel.
If you look at definition 1 b under the same link, you'll see it says: Crowded closely together; compact. The word as used in the sentence you quoted is derived from that meaning.
4. Difficult to understand because of complexity or obscurity: a dense novel.
At first glance, the definition sounds more negative than the word really is. We don't always expect novels or scientific papers to be easy to understand: we like a challenge!
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