ropy

[roh-pee]

adjective

ropier, ropiest 

1. resembling a rope or ropes.

   ropy muscles.

2. forming viscid or glutinous threads, as a liquid.

Other Word Forms

• ropily adverb
• ropiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ropy¹

First recorded in 1470–80; rope + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Objectively, I know that the defeated ones are in almost every other regard already winners: fit gods with ropy quads, admired, adored and no doubt absurdly well compensated.

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The aberrant proteins convert normal prions to their malevolent shape as they add them, like rungs on a ladder, to growing, ropy aggregates that destroy neurons, effectively chewing holes in the brain.

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Above the beard, a fading black ropy tattoo stretched across his cheeks and nose.

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The Turkish leader faces a tough election battle in mid-May with a ropy economy and high inflation, as well as criticism about his government’s handling of the recent devastating earthquake.

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A self-described product of the 1960s who, with his ropy ponytail and bushy mustache, certainly looked the part, Dr. Prados was both a scholar and an activist.

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Related Words

• athletic 
• brawny 
• burly 
• powerful 
• robust 
• sinewy 
• stout 
• strapping 
• sturdy 
• vigorous 
• wiry