fastness

noun

fast·​ness ˈfas(t)-nəs How to pronounce fastness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being fast: such as
a
: the quality or state of being fixed
b
: the quality or state of being swift
c
: colorfast quality
d
: resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
2
a
: a fortified or secure place
b
: a remote and secluded place
vacationed in their mountain fastness

Examples of fastness in a Sentence

the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he'd used any water the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Tat-Fung’s Downtown collection of blue, black and gray fabrics outperform conventional denim in color fastness, according to Tim Huesemann, the mill’s sales director. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2024 This advancement enables dyeing with Basic dyes, promising enhanced dye uptake and superior wash fastness compared to traditional Reactive dyes. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 13 Sep. 2024 The Neutral Ground had cowboys (or Cow Boys), Indians, cavalry attacks and rescues, and secret woodland fastnesses known only to the canniest frontiersman. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 The technology uses specific formaldehyde-free agents to enhance the dyeing process of raw garments, resulting in a bright and deep indigo color, improving wash and rubbing fastness, and increasing lightfastness and levelness. Andrea Onate, WWD, 12 June 2024 Fearing extermination, members of the Yezidi sect fled to their ancestral fastness on Mount Sinjar. Timothy William Waters, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2016 Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot, who has retired to a Venetian fastness. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2023 When using natural dyes, there tend to be issues with color fastness and shade consistency. Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 Unlike the Brahui the Burusho are very isolated in the mountainous fastness of Baltistan in northern Pakistan. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fastness was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fastness

Cite this Entry

“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fastness. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fastness

noun
fast·​ness ˈfas(t)-nəs How to pronounce fastness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being fast
2
: a fortified or secure place

Medical Definition

fastness

noun
fast·​ness ˈfas(t)-nəs How to pronounce fastness (audio)
: resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
streptomycin fastness developed by a strain of tubercule bacillus
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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