stern

1. Stern, Isaac 1920-2001; U.S. violinist, born in Russia
2. Stern, Otto 1888-1969; U.S. physicist, born in Germany

stern ¹

1. Hard, harsh, or severe in manner or character: a stern disciplinarian. See Synonyms at severe.
2. Grim, gloomy, or forbidding in appearance or outlook.
3. Firm or unyielding; uncompromising.
4. Inexorable; relentless: stern necessity.

Origin: Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; see ster-¹ in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

• sternly sternˈly adverb

• sternness sternˈness noun

stern ²

1. Nautical The rear part of a ship or boat.
2. A rear part or section.

Origin: Middle English sterne, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn, rudder; see stā- in Indo-European roots.

Stern

Stern, Otto 1888-1969.