pe·nu·ri·ous \pə̇ˈn(y)u̇rēəs\adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin penuriosus, from Latin penuria want, need + -osus -ose 1.: marked by or suffering from penury < actually saved money in these penurious times — R.V.Mills > 2.: given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality < as keen on the penny as a penurious weaver — G.D.Brown > Synonyms:see stingy