Main Entry: ro·bust

Pronunciation: \rō-ˈbəst, ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin robustus oaken, strong, from robor-, robur oak, strength

Date: 1533

1 a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health b : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness <a robust debate> <a robust faith> c : strongly formed or constructed : sturdy <a robust plastic> d : capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions <robust software>
2 : rough, rude <stories…laden with robust, down-home imagery — Playboy>
3 : requiring strength or vigor <robust work>
4 : full-bodied <robust coffee>; also : hearty <a robust dinner>
5 : of, relating to, resembling, or being a relatively large, heavyset australopithecine (especially Australopithecus robustus and A. boisei) characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet — compare gracile 3

synonyms see healthy

— ro·bust·ly adverb

— ro·bust·ness \-ˈbəs(t)-nəs, -(ˌ)bəs(t)-\ noun