Main Entry: te·na·cious

Pronunciation: \tə-ˈnā-shəs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin tenac-, tenax tending to hold fast, from tenēre to hold

Date: 1607

1 a : not easily pulled apart : cohesive <a tenacious metal> b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance <tenacious burs>
2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired <a tenacious advocate of civil rights> <tenacious negotiators> b : retentive <a tenacious memory>

synonyms see strong

— te·na·ci·ous·ly adverb

— te·na·cious·ness noun