Spindliest: meaning, definitions and examples

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spindliest

 

[ ˈspɪndli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

Spindliest describes something that is extremely slender or thin, often to a degree that suggests fragility or weakness. It is typically used to characterize things that have long, thin parts, such as limbs or branches.

Synonyms

fragile, slender, thin, weedy.

Examples of usage

  • The spindliest tree in the forest swayed in the wind.
  • He has the spindliest fingers among his friends.
  • The spindliest strands of hair blew away in the breeze.

Etymology

The word 'spindliest' is derived from the root word 'spindle', which comes from the Middle English term 'spyndel', referring to a tool used for spinning yarn. The term 'spindle' is related to the Old English 'spynð', meaning to spin, which showcases the action associated with thinning materials. The suffix '-liest' is a comparative ending, suggesting an extreme degree, thus 'spindliest' denotes the most slender state. Historically, the association with thinness relates to objects that resemble a spindle's shape — reminiscent of long, thin structures. Etymologically, the progression from a tool to a descriptor highlights both physical characteristics and the cultural relevance of spinning in textile production.