rigidity

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noun ri·gid·i·ty \ rə-ˈji-də-tē \

Definition of rigidity

plural rigidities

1 :the quality or state of being rigid

2 :one that is rigid (as in form or conduct)

Examples of rigidity in a Sentence

sometimes the rigidity of the headmaster's discipline was deemed excessive by even much of the faculty

Recent Examples of rigidity from the Web

Smith, who played her role onstage, at once acknowledges and defies the rigidity of old age, bringing out Marjorie's nervous excitement, her girlish mischief and her loosening grip on reality in a marvelously quicksilver turn.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "'Marjorie Prime' review: Jon Hamm stars in tale of a haunting, but comforting, future," 24 Aug. 2017
This was done mainly for reasons of rigidity and simplicity, which allow us to reach 100m water resistance easily.

— jack forster, Bloomberg.com, "This Upstart Malaysian Watch Brand Has a Powerhouse Debut," 22 Aug. 2017
That rigidity in the middle of the ship can cause problems.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "Aboard the NS Savannah, America’s first (and last) nuclear merchant ship," 26 July 2017
But of course, anyone who’s been to these parks knows that these rides aren’t exactly restricted by the rigidity of canon.

— marc snetiker, EW.com, "New ride coming to Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter," 24 July 2017
The rigidity with which this guideline is observed can seem ironic.

— davy rothbart, GQ, "Inside the Clothing-Optional Resort of Your Swinging Dreams," 18 July 2017
Torsional stiffness is said to be improved by 34 percent and bending stiffness by 24 percent, and the increased rigidity should also aid ride quality, handling dynamics, and cabin quietness.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "2018 Honda Accord: Major Changes for the 10th-Generation Best Seller," 17 July 2017
In addition to providing lasting power, the Cadillac 6.2-liter V8 is an integral part of the overall design of the Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype race car, and a key to the structural rigidity of the car.

— terry troy, cleveland.com, "Cadillac's performance image enhanced by success at the track," 2 July 2017
Similarly, the loss of the structure behind the rear seats has almost certainly led to reduced rigidity, and per BMW’s figures the Touring weighs some 200 pounds more.

— mike duff, Car and Driver, "2018 BMW 530d Touring Euro-Spec," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rigidity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rigidity

1624

rigidity Synonyms

Synonyms

exactingness, hardness, harshness, inflexibility, severity, rigidness, rigor, rigorousness, sternness, strictness, stringency

Antonyms

flexibility, gentleness, laxness, mildness

Related Words

callousness, hard-heartedness, implacability, obduracy, obdurateness, pitilessness; dourness, gruffness; asceticism, austereness, austerity, monasticism; determination, firmness, resolve, steadfastness; obstinacy, stubbornness

Near Antonyms

forbearance, indulgence, kindness, lenience, patience, softness, tenderness, tolerance; responsiveness, willingness; compliance, pliability, pliancy

Medical Dictionary

rigidity

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noun ri·gid·i·ty \ rə-ˈjid-ət-ē \

medical Definition of rigidity

plural rigidities

:the quality or state of being rigid: as

a :abnormal stiffness of muscle

muscle rigidity symptomatic of Parkinson's disease
—Diane Gershon

b :emotional inflexibility and resistance to change

Learn More about rigidity

See words that rhyme with rigidity Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rigidity Spanish Central: Translation of rigidity Nglish: Translation of rigidity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rigidity for Arabic speakers

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rigidity

Definition of rigidity

Examples of rigidity in a Sentence

Recent Examples of rigidity from the Web

First Known Use of rigidity

rigidity Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Medical Dictionary

rigidity

medical Definition of rigidity

Learn More about rigidity

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rigidity

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rigidity

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