[strength] n, pl strengths [ME strengthe, fr. OE strengthu; akin to OHG strengi strong--more at strong] (bef. 12c) 1: the quality or state of being strong: capacity for exertion or endurance
2: power to resist force: solidity, toughness
3: power of resisting attack: impregnability
4. a: legal, logical, or moral force b: a strong attribute or inherent asset "the ~s and the weaknesses of the book are evident"
5. a: degree of potency of effect or of concentration b: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor c: vigor of expression
6: force as measured in numbers: effective numbers of any body or organization "an army at full ~" 7: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness: support 8: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level: firmness of prices 9: basis--used in the phrase on the strength of syn see power -- from strength to strength : vigorously forward: from one high point to the next