Wiry
/ˈwaɪəri/noun
Thin but strong and athletic in build.
Did you know?The term 'wiry' is derived from a Middle English word that originally described the flexible, strong nature of a wire, symbolizing both strength and a certain wildness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weid-
“to see, to know, to be strong”
Old English
Old English
wīr
“a strand of metal, wire”
Middle English
Middle English
wirie
“thin and flexible like wire, resilient”
Modern English
English
wiry
“describing a lean and strong physique, akin to the strength of wire”