| English Dictionary |
TENUOUS
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does tenuous mean?
• TENUOUS (adjective)
The adjective TENUOUS has 3 senses:
1. having thin consistency
2. very thin in gauge or diameter
3. lacking substance or significance
Familiarity information: TENUOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Having thin consistency
Context example:
a tenuous fluid
Similar:
thin (relatively thin in consistency or low in density; not viscous)
Derivation:
tenuity (a rarified quality)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Very thin in gauge or diameter
Context example:
a tenuous thread
Similar:
thin (of relatively small extent from one surface to the opposite or in cross section)
Derivation:
tenuity (relatively small dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Lacking substance or significance
Synonyms:
flimsy; fragile; slight; tenuous; thin
Context example:
a fragile claim to fame
Similar:
insignificant; unimportant (devoid of importance, meaning, or force)
Derivation:
tenuity (the quality of lacking intensity or substance)
Context examples
MAVEN is the first spacecraft dedicated to exploring the tenuous upper atmosphere of Mars.
(Mars Mission Spacecraft Enters Orbit around Red Planet, NASA)
Like the shimmering air on a hot summer’s day, the tenuous atmosphere in this massive galaxy should warp the signal of the fast radio burst.
(Enigmatic radio burst illuminates a galaxy’s tranquil halo, ESO)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"The arrow of the accomplished master will not be seen when it is released; only when it hits the target." (Bhutanese proverb)
"Meeting death is better than trying to ignore it." (Arabic proverb)
"Eat a big bite but don't say a big statement." (Cypriot proverb)