Main Entry: hard

Pronunciation: \ˈhärd\

Function: adjective

1 : not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
2 a of liquor : strongly alcoholic ; specifically : having an alcoholic content of more than 22.5 percent b : characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap <hard water>
3 : of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power <hard X-rays>
4 a : physically fit <in good hard condition> b : resistant to stress (as disease)
5 : being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health <such hard drugs as heroin>
6 : resistant to biodegradation <hard detergents> <hard pesticides like DDT>

—hard·ness noun