1. adj., adv., & v.
--adj.
1. a of solid or compact structure. b fixed, stable. c steady; not shaking.
2 a resolute, determined. b not easily shaken (firm belief). c steadfast, constant (a firm friend).
3 a (of an offer etc.) not liable to cancellation after acceptance. b (of a decree, law, etc.) established, immutable.
4 Commerce (of prices or goods) maintaining their level or value.
--adv. firmly (stand firm; hold firm to).
--v.
1. tr. & intr. make or become firm, secure, compact, or solid.
2 tr. fix (plants) firmly in the soil.
Derivatives:
firmly adv. firmness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF ferme f. L firmus 2. n.1 a a business concern. b the partners in such a concern.
2 a group of persons working together, esp. of hospital doctors and assistants.
Etymology: earlier signature, style: Sp. & It. firma f. med.L, f. L firmare confirm f. firmus FIRM(1)