stiffness

noun

stiff·​ness

plural -es

1

a

: density, rigidity

14 kinds of varnish each differing in stiffness

—F. W. Hoch

toothbrushes vary in the stiffness of their bristles

b

: resistance (as of a structural beam) to bending under stresses within the elastic limit

—opposed to compliance compare deflection sense 3a

c

: resistance of a ship to rolling : stability

2

a

: lack of suppleness : inflexibility

pains in the limbs and growing stiffness, finally, paralysis

—Monsanto Magazine

b

: firmness of attitude : resolution, obduracy

unyielding stiffness of will

—O. J. Baab

c

: lack of ease or grace : punctilious conduct : formality, constraint

the stiffness of conventional opera

—Arthur Knight

had given up his stiffness and begun to laugh

—Vicki Baum

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stifnesse, from stif, adjective, stiff + -nesse -ness

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