tenacious

[ tuh-ney-shuhs ]
/ təˈneɪ ʃəs /

adjective

holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.
highly retentive: a tenacious memory.
pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.
adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.
holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.

Origin of tenacious

First recorded in 1600–10; tenaci(ty) + -ous

SYNONYMS FOR tenacious

4 clinging.

OTHER WORDS FROM tenacious

Example sentences from the Web for tenaciousness

British Dictionary definitions for tenaciousness

tenacious
/ (tɪˈneɪʃəs) /

adjective

holding or grasping firmly; forceful a tenacious grip
retentive a tenacious memory
stubborn or persistent a tenacious character
holding together firmly; tough or cohesive tenacious cement
tending to stick or adhere tenacious mud

Derived forms of tenacious

tenaciously, adverb tenaciousness or tenacity (tɪˈnæsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for tenacious

C16: from Latin tenāx, from tenēre to hold

Medical definitions for tenaciousness

tenacious
[ tə-nāshəs ]

adj.

Clinging to another object or surface; adhesive.
Holding together firmly; cohesive.