[hard] adj [ME, fr. OE heard; akin to OHG hart hard, Gk kratos strength] (bef. 12c) 1 a: not easily penetrated: not easily yielding to pressure b of cheese: not capable of being spread: very firm
2. a of liquor (1): having a harsh or acid taste (2): strongly alcoholic b: characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap "~ water" 3 a: of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power "~ X rays" b: having or producing relatively great photographic contrast "a ~ negative"
4. a: metallic as distinct from paper "~ money" b of currency: convertible into gold: stable in value c: usable as currency "paid in ~ cash" d of currency: readily acceptable in international trade e: being high and firm "~ prices"
5. a: firmly and closely twisted "~ yarns" b: having a smooth close napless finish "a ~ worsted"
6. a: physically fit "in good ~ condition" b: resistant to stress (as disease) c: free of weakness or defects
7. a (1): firm, definite "reached a ~ agreement" (2): not speculative or conjectural: factual "~ evidence" (3): important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining "~ news" b: close, searching "gave a ~ look" c: free from sentimentality or illusion: realistic "good ~ sense" d: lacking in responsiveness: obdurate, unfeeling "a ~ heart"
8. a (1): difficult to bear or endure "~ luck" "~ times" (2): oppressive, inequitable "sales taxes are ~ on the poor" "a ~ restriction" b (1): lacking consideration, compassion, or gentleness: callous "a ~ greedy landlord" (2): incorrigible, tough "a ~ gang" c (1): harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect "said some ~ things" (2): resentful "~ feelings" (3): strict, unrelenting "drives a ~ bargain" d: inclement "~ winter" e (1): intense in force, manner, or degree "~ blows" (2): demanding the exertion of energy: calling for stamina and endurance "~ work" (3): performing or carrying on with great energy, intensity, or persistence "a ~ worker" f: extreme 4a "the ~ political right"
9. a: characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing b:
[2]hard adv (bef. 12c) 1 a: with great or utmost effort or energy: strenuously "were ~ at work" "the children played ~" b: in a violent manner: fiercely c: to the full extent--usu. used in nautical directions "steer ~ aport" d: to an immoderate degree "hitting the bottle ~" e: in a searching, close, or concentrated manner "stared ~ at me"
2. a: in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain b: with rancor, bitterness, or grief "took the defeat ~"
3: in a firm manner: tightly
4: to the point of hardness "frozen ~"
5: close in time or space "stands ~ by the river"