sturdy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈstəːdi/

adjective (sturdier, sturdiest)

  • (of a person or their body) strongly and solidly built: he had a sturdy, muscular physique
  • strong enough to withstand rough work or treatment: the bike is sturdy enough to cope with bumpy tracks
  • showing confidence and determination: the townspeople have a sturdy independence

noun

[mass noun]
  • vertigo in sheep caused by a tapeworm larva encysted in the brain.

Derivatives

sturdily

adverb

sturdiness

noun

Origin:

Middle English (in the senses 'reckless, violent' and 'intractable, obstinate'): shortening of Old French esturdi 'stunned, dazed'. The derivation remains obscure; thought by some to be based on Latin turdus 'a thrush' (compare with the French phrase soûl comme une grive 'drunk as a thrush')