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Stringy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stringy

[หˆstrษชล‹i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

texture appearance

The term 'stringy' typically describes a texture that is long, thin, and fibrous in nature. It often refers to the consistency of certain foods, such as meats or vegetables, that have a tendency to separate into threads or strands when torn or cut. 'Stringy' can also be used to denote something that is overly elastic or has an unwieldy, tangled form. In general, this term implies that the item being described lacks smoothness and could be difficult to chew or manage.

Synonyms

fibrous, ragged, stranded, tangled, thready.

Examples of usage

  • The chicken was stringy and hard to eat.
  • Her hair looked stringy after being wet.
  • I prefer my pasta to be less stringy.
  • The fabric felt stringy and uncomfortable against my skin.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • In cooking, stringy often describes meats that are tough and pull apart easily, like shredded chicken or pork.
  • Certain vegetables, like string beans, got their name because they are long and can snap like a string.

Science

  • In biology, stringy textures can be seen in muscle fibers, which are long and fibrous, crucial for movement.
  • Some fungi exhibit a stringy appearance as their threads spread out to form networks in their habitat.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, a 'stringy' character might be someone who is thin and wiry, often used to depict agility or cunning.
  • The phrase 'stringy hair' commonly appears in beauty and style discussions, highlighting how hair can become lightweight and messy.

Origin of 'stringy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Middle English word 'stringy', referring to something resembling a string.
  • It evolved from the Old English 'streng', which meant 'line or cord', indicating its long and thin nature.

The word 'stringy' originates from the noun 'string', which derives from the Old English 'streng', related to the Proto-Germanic 'strangaz', meaning to stretch. This etymology reflects the core idea of something that is long and narrow, similar to the characteristic of a string. Over time, the adjective 'stringy' evolved to describe various textures and appearances that resemble the qualities of a string, particularly in food and other materials. It has been used in English since the 19th century to describe textures, notably in culinary contexts, indicating foods that appear fibrous or have a tendency to separate into strands. The versatility of the word has allowed it to maintain relevance across different contexts, illustrating the commonality of its underlying texture description.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,072, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.