~ 1
■ adjective
1》 having an unyielding surface or structure.
2》 solidly in place and stable.
3》 having steady power or strength: a ~ grip.
↘unlikely to change; enduring.
4》 showing strength of character; resolute.
5》 (of a currency, shares, etc.) having a steady value or price which is more likely to rise than fall.
■ verb
1》 make stable or unyielding.
2》 (often ~ something up ) make (an agreement or plan) explicit and definite.
3》 (of a price) rise to reach a level considered secure.
■ adverb in a resolute and determined manner.
Phrases
be on ~ ground be sure of one's facts or secure in one's position.
a ~ hand strict discipline or control.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ferme , from L. ~us .
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a company or business partnership.
2》 a group of hospital doctors working as a team.
Origin
C16 (orig. denoting a signature, later the name under which a ~'s business was transacted): from Sp. and Ital. ~a , based on L. ~are 'fix, settle' (in late L. 'con~ by signature'), from ~us '~'; cf. farm .