Main Entry:

in·ge·nious

Pronunciation:

\in-ˈjēn-yəs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English ingenyous, from Middle French ingenieus, from Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium natural capacity — more at engine

Date:

15th century

1obsolete : showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment2: marked by especial aptitude at discovering, inventing, or contriving3: marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution <an ingenious contraption>

synonyms see clever

— in·ge·nious·ly adverb

— in·ge·nious·ness noun