ˈstamənə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, plural of stamen warp, thread of life spun by the fates
1. plural in construction , archaic : the essential or fundamental parts, elements, or nature of something especially an organism
2. plural in construction , archaic : the innate capacities formerly regarded as conditioning or governing the duration of life
3.
a. : the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease
the chase, sometimes lasting for miles, calls for unlimited stamina from both dogs and men — American Guide Series: Tennessee
lack of stamina of the population is caused partly by the high rate of infection from parasitic and venereal diseases — Mary Tew
b. : strength or courage of conviction : staying power : perseverance
displayed little of the moral stamina which characterized the Puritan fathers — R.P.Stearns
must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose — D.D.Eisenhower
exhibited enough stamina to disagree frequently with the great chief justice — advt
evidence of the stamina of India's indigenous democracy — Vera M. Dean
c. : the capacity for standing hard or demanding use over an extended period : durability
steelmakers use small amounts of vanadium alloys to give steel stamina — Hot-Metal Magic
enduring stamina built into these trucks — Newsweek
a locker with stamina and correctness of design — Sweet's Catalog Service
4. archaic : the chief source of support or strength
the infantry is the stamina of a military force
— sometimes plural in constr.