fastness

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English fastnes, fastnesse (“immovableness, stability; firmness, solidness; secure attachment; constancy; obstinacy; something giving firmness or strength; of sleep: soundness; of a wound: healing; assurance, confirmation”) [and other forms], from Old English fæstnes (“fastness, firmness, stability; resolution; tenacity; vigour; firmament; fortification”) [and other forms], from fæst (“firm, stable; constant”) (from Proto-Germanic *fastuz (“firm, fixed; secure”); see further at that entry) + -nes (suffix forming abstract nouns denoting a quality or state). The English word may be analysed as fast +‎ -ness. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈfɑːs(t)nəs/, /ˈfæs(t)-/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈfæs(t)nəs/ (trap–bath split) IPA(key): /ˈfɑːs(t)nəs/ Rhymes: (Received Pronunciation; trap–bath split) -ɑːstnəs, (General American) -æstnəs Hyphenation: fast‧ness === Noun === fastness (countable and uncountable, plural fastnesses) (uncountable) The quality or state of being fast (in various senses). The quality or state of being strongly attached; firmness, secureness, tenacity. (specifically) The ability of a dye to withstand fading. The quality or state of moving quickly; quickness, rapidity, swiftness. The quality or state of having an extravagant lifestyle or immoral habits. (archaic) Of a fortress or other place: the quality or state of being secure from access or attack; safety, security. (obsolete) The quality or state of being firm, hard, or solid; firmness, hardness, solidity. (countable) Something that is fast, or that causes someone or something to be fast (in various senses). (also figuratively) A fortified or secure place; a fortress, a stronghold. (obsolete except British, regional) Something used to fasten or tie; a fastener or fastening. ==== Derived terms ==== acid-fastness colorfastness colour fastness, colourfastness ==== Translations ==== === References ===