vigour
nounUK /ˈvɪɡə/ · US /ˈvɪɡɚ/
Etymology From Middle English vigour, from Old French vigour, from vigor, from Latin vigor, from vigeō (“thrive, flourish”), from Proto-Indo-European *weǵ- (“to be lively”). Related to vigil, vegetable, vajra, and waker.
1
Active strength or force of body or mind; a capacity for exertion, physically, intellectually, or morally; energy.
- The vigour of this arm was never vain1717, John Dryden (tr.), Metamorphoses By Ovid, Book the Twelfth:
- Mr. Elliot's frank statement that "sloth and untidiness are indefensible" is a sign that the task will be tackled with vigour.1953 April, “Arrears of Station Maintenance”, in Railway Magazine, page 217:
1 more example
- A compound of eggs boiled with myrrh, pepper, and cinnamon, taken on several successive days, is recommended by Arabs for strengthening amorous vigor.1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 162:
2
Biology, Natural sciences Strength or force in animal or vegetable nature or action.
- A plant grows with vigour.
3
Strength; efficacy; potency.
- But in the fruithful earth: there first receiv'd / His beams, unactive else, their vigour find.1667, John Milton, “(please specify the page number)”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
- Derived terms
- envigorate, hybrid vigor, hybrid vigour, vigorous, vim and vigour