Te-nā'cioŭs, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. tenax, tenacis, from tenere, to hold; Fr. & It. tenace, Sp. tenaz.]

  1. Holding fast, or inclined to hold fast; inclined to retain what is in possession; as, men tenacious of their just rights; apt to retain; retentive; as, a tenacious memory.
  2. Apt to adhere to another substance; adhesive, as oily, glutinous, or viscous matter; as, few substances are so tenacious as tar.
  3. Niggardly; close-fisted. [Rare.] Ainsworth.
  4. Holding stoutly to one's opinion or purpose; obstinate; stubborn.