adj. 1 (often foll. by of) keeping a firm hold of property, principles, life, etc.; not readily relinquishing. 2 (of memory) retentive. 3 holding fast. 4 strongly cohesive. 5 persistent, resolute. 6 adhesive, sticky. tenaciously adv. tenaciousness n. tenacity n.
[ L tenax -acis f. tenere hold ]