wiry

wiry

adjective \ˈwī(-ə)r-ē\

: very thin but strong and muscular

: stiff like wire

wir·i·er \ˈwī-rē-ər\ wir·i·est

Full Definition of WIRY

1

a archaic :  made of wire

b :  resembling wire especially in form and flexibility <the wiry coat of the Irish terrier> <wiry stems>

c of sound :  produced by or suggestive of the vibration of wire <the violinist … often let his tone go nasal and wiry — D. J. Henahan>

2

:  being lean, supple, and vigorous :  sinewy <the wiry figure of a long-distance runner — Phoenix Flame>

— wir·i·ly \ˈwī-rə-lē\ adverb

— wir·i·ness \-rē-nəs\ noun

Examples of WIRY

1. a man with long, wiry arms
2. She was lean and wiry from years of working out.
3. He has dark, wiry hair.

First Known Use of WIRY

1588

Rhymes with WIRY

miry