firmness
/ˈfəːmnəs
/noun [mass noun]
1The quality of having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure: he tested the firmness of the mattress I felt the firmness of his upper arm...
- I walked placidly toward the center, my bare feet faintly slapping against the firmness of the marble platform.
- The amount of light bounced back after interacting with fruit tissue reflects fruit firmness.
- They use a standard laboratory instrument used to test food firmness through compression.
1.1The application of steady but not excessive power or strength: the firmness of his hand on my chest he sang with a wonderful firmness of tone...
- The four vocalists have a firm grasp on the necessary style, and sing with firmness but not with heaviness.
- The firmness of the power steering can be tailored during vehicle build to suit the taste of the owner.
- The body of the knife is slotted aluminum for lightness and firmness of grip.
1.2Resolute determination and strength of character: his firmness of purpose gained him a devoted following...
- It is because of Esther's firmness in their decision to send Deborah to the hospital that Jacob doesn't bring Deborah home as he wishes.
- Other views have lacked the incisiveness and the firmness of conviction that make his analysis a classic in the history of rate regulation.
- This will not be accomplished unless good intentions are accompanied by both insight and firmness.
1.3The state of being fixed, definite, or constant: so certain were we of the firmness of our plan the continuing firmness of oil prices...
- At the hospital, a doctor prods the firmness of her sanity.
- Some stocks kept their recent firmness, with the photo-film company rising 2.17 percent.
- Any specific conditions you put into this clause reduce the firmness of the transaction.