tenacious

/tə-ˈnā-shəs/

Latin tenāc-, tenāx "holding fast, clinging, persistent" (from tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" + -āc-, deverbal suffix denoting habitual or successful performance) + -ious

adjective

  1. not easily pulled apart : cohesive

  2. tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance

  3. persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired

a tenacious metal

tenacious burs

strong stout sturdy stalwart tough tenacious mean showing power to resist or to endure. strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.