wiry — thin but strong and tough, like wire
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: thin but strong and tough, like wire
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwaɪəri/
Example Sentences
- The marathon runner had a wiry build but could outrun much bigger athletes.
- My grandfather's wiry beard looked like he stuck his finger in an electric socket!
- Despite his wiry appearance, the old fisherman could haul in nets that younger men struggled with.
wiry
ADJECTIVE[/ˈwaɪəri/]
thin but strong and tough, like wire
The wiry climber pulls himself up the cliff with surprising strength.
Wiry arms fuel a fiery inquiry
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from the noun 'wire,' which comes from Old English 'wir' and Proto-Germanic origins. The adjective 'wiry' was formed to describe something having the characteristic qualities of wire: thin, flexible, and strong.
Breakdown
wire (noun: thin metal strand) + -y (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of'). The suffix -y transforms the noun into an adjective describing resemblance to or possession of wire-like properties.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The marathon runner had a wiry build but could outrun much bigger athletes.”
“My grandfather's wiry beard looked like he stuck his finger in an electric socket!”
“Despite his wiry appearance, the old fisherman could haul in nets that younger men struggled with.”
“The dog's wiry coat made it look like it had been through a blender!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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