tenuity

[tuh-noo-i-tee, -nyoo-, te-]

noun

1. the state of being tenuous.

2. slenderness.

3. thinness of consistency; rarefied condition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenuity¹

1525–35; < Latin tenuitās thinness, equivalent to tenui ( s ) ( tenuis ) + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

This tenuity is shown by the fact that stars were seen through the tail “as if the tail did not exist.”

From Project Gutenberg

The sublime tenuities of Henry James, like the black music of Michael Artzibashef, are questions largely temperamental.

From Project Gutenberg

An example of different degrees of purity will be found in washes of water-colours of different tenuity.

From Project Gutenberg

With this in his hand, the workman carefully traces the outlines of his drawing, which the tenuity of the saw-blade allows the tool to follow into every curve and angle.

From Project Gutenberg

No better evidence of the tenuity of his connection with business is required than his outbreak in 1920, "I won't have the international bankers write the platform and nominate the candidate at Chicago."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• elegance 
• fragility www.thesaurus.com
• lightness 
• subtlety 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com