Dictionary

strength

noun \ˈstreŋ(k)th, ˈstren(t)th\

: the quality or state of being physically strong

: the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force

: the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

plural strengths \ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks\

Full Definition of STRENGTH

1
:  the quality or state of being strong :  capacity for exertion or endurance
2
:  power to resist force :  solidity, toughness
3
:  power of resisting attack :  impregnability
4
a :  legal, logical, or moral force
b :  a strong attribute or inherent asset <the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident>
5
a :  degree of potency of effect or of concentration <chili peppers in varying strengths>
b :  intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
c :  vigor of expression
6
:  force as measured in numbers :  effective numbers of any body or organization <an army at full strength>
7
:  one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness :  support <you are my love and my strength>
8
:  maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level :  firmness of prices <the strength of the dollar>
9
:  basis —used in the phrase on the strength of
from strength to strength
:  vigorously forward :  from one high point to the next
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Origin of STRENGTH

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of STRENGTH

power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence <the power to mold public opinion>. authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits <granted the authority to manage her estate>. jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over parks>. control stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence <the empire extended its sway over the region>. dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. force implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. might implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Defined for Kids

strength

noun \ˈstreŋth\

Definition of STRENGTH for Kids

1
:  the quality or state of being physically strong <He pushed the rock with all his strength.>
2
:  power to resist force <the strength of a rope>
3
:  ability to produce an effect <maximum strength cough syrup>
4
:  degree of intensity <… the full strength of the thunderstorm erupted. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
5
:  power as measured in numbers <The army is at full strength.>
6
:  a strong or positive quality <What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?>
7
:  the inner courage or determination that allows a person to face and deal with difficulties
Medical Dictionary

strength

noun \ˈstreŋ(k)th, ˈstren(t)th\
plural strengths \ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks\

Medical Definition of STRENGTH

1
:  the quality or state of being strong :  capacity for exertion or endurance
2
:  degree of potency of effect or of concentration
3
:  degree of ionization of a solution—used of acids and bases

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