tenuous

The definition of tenuous is something long and thin, fine or flimsy.

(adjective)

An example of tenuous is a single spider web connected by two trees.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See tenuous in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. slender or fine, as a fiber
  2. rare, as air at high altitudes; not dense
  3. not substantial; slight; flimsy: tenuous evidence

Origin: < L tenuis, thin + -ous

Related Forms:

See tenuous in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Long and thin; slender: tenuous strands.
  2. Having a thin consistency; dilute.
  3. Having little substance; flimsy: a tenuous argument.

Origin:

Origin: Latin tenuis; see ten- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • tenˈu·ous·ly adverb
  • tenˈu·ous·ness noun

Learn more about tenuous

link/cite print suggestion box