Main Entry: lithe

Pronunciation: \ˈlīth, ˈlīth\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English līthe gentle; akin to Old High German lindi gentle, Latin lentus slow

Date: 14th century

1 : easily bent or flexed <lithe steel> <a lithe vine>
2 : characterized by easy flexibility and grace <a lithe dancer> <treading with a lithe silent step>; also : athletically slim <the most lithe and graspable of waists — R. P. Warren>

— lithe·ly adverb

— lithe·ness noun