rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: firmus
Latin

firmus

firm, strong, or stable

Forms

  • firmus
  • firm- — Used before other endings.

Origin

An inherited Latin strength word whose precise deeper history is uncertain.

Note

Physical stability supplied a model for reliability and steadfastness.

5 / 5
An elderly South Asian man with a cane moving carefully as a family member supports him, physical frailty shown with dignity.
noun

infirmity

in-FUR-muh-tee/ɪnˈfɜːrməti/

Weakness or ill health of the body or mind.

Etymology
inLatinnot; without
+firmLatinfirm, strong, or stable
+ityLatina quality or state

Infirmity names the state of being “not strong.” The underlying lack of strength applies to bodily frailty and also to mental or moral weakness, rather than only to a particular disease.

Full entry

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