adj.
Pronunciation: in- ' j ē n-y ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English ingenyous, from Middle French ingenieus, from Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium natural capacity ― more at ENGINE
Date: 15th century
1 obsolete : showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment
2 : marked by especial aptitude at discovering, inventing, or contriving
3 : marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution <an ingenious contraption>
synonyms see CLEVER
– in · ge · nious · ly adverb
– in · ge · nious · ness noun