n.
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English lene, from Old English hl ǣ ne
Date: before 12th century
1 a : lacking or deficient in flesh b : containing little or no fat < lean meat>
2 : lacking richness, sufficiency, or productiveness < lean profits> <the lean years>
3 : deficient in an essential or important quality or ingredient: as a of ore : containing little valuable mineral b : low in combustible component ― used especially of fuel mixtures
4 : characterized by economy (as of style, expression, or operation)
– lean · ly adverb
– lean · ness \ ' l ē n-n ə s \ noun
synonyms LEAN , SPARE , LANK , LANKY , GAUNT , RAWBONED , SCRAWNY , SKINNY mean thin because of an absence of excess flesh. LEAN stresses lack of fat and of curving contours <a lean racehorse>. SPARE suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise <the gymnast's spare figure>. LANK implies tallness as well as leanness <the lank legs of the heron>. LANKY suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness <a lanky youth, all arms and legs>. GAUNT implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering <a prisoner's gaunt face>. RAWBONED suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment <a rawboned farmer>. SCRAWNY and SKINNY imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality <a scrawny chicken> < skinny street urchins>.