sinewy
/'sinju:i/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having or consisting of tendons; resembling a tendon: Describing something that is tough, fibrous, and stringy, like a tendon.
- Lean, muscular, and strong: Describing a person or animal that is physically powerful with well-defined, tough muscles, often implying a wiry strength rather than bulky mass.
- Full of sinews; tough and stringy: Describing meat or other material that is difficult to chew or cut due to the presence of many tough fibers.
Usage Examples
- Describing physical strength:
- The sinewy arms of the rock climber gripped the ledge firmly.
- He was a sinewy runner, built for endurance rather than speed.
- Describing texture or composition:
- The butcher warned that the cut of beef was quite sinewy and would require long, slow cooking.
- The plant's stem was surprisingly sinewy and difficult to break.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative use for strength or toughness:
- Her prose is sinewy and direct, with no unnecessary words. (Describing writing that is strong, concise, and forceful.)
- The sinewy logic of his argument was impossible to refute. (Describing reasoning that is tough and resilient.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sinew (noun): A tendon; the source of strength or power.
- He strained a sinew in his leg during the race.
- Agriculture was the sinew of the ancient economy.
- Sinewless (adjective): Lacking strength or vigor; weak.
Synonyms
- Muscular: Having well-developed muscles.
- Wiry: Thin but strong and sinewy.
- Tough: Strong and resilient; difficult to break or chew.
- Fibrous: Consisting of or resembling fibers.
- Stringy: Having a texture full of long, thin fibers.
Antonyms
- Flabby: Soft, loose, and lacking firmness.
- Tender: Easy to cut or chew; soft.
- Weak: Lacking physical strength.
Adjective
-
(of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful
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a hefty athlete
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a muscular boxer
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powerful arms
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consisting of tendons or resembling a tendon
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(of meat) full of sinews; especially impossible to chew
