adj.
Pronunciation: t ə - ' n ā -sh ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin tenac-, tenax tending to hold fast, from ten ē re to hold
Date: 1607
1 a : not easily pulled apart : COHESIVE <a tenacious metal> b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance < tenacious burs>
2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired <a tenacious advocate of civil rights> < tenacious negotiators> b : RETENTIVE <a tenacious memory>
synonyms see STRONG
– te · na · ci · ous · ly adverb
– te · na · cious · ness noun