adj., firm·er, firm·est.
- Resistant to externally applied pressure.
- Marked by or indicating the tone and resiliency of healthy tissue: firm muscles.
- Securely fixed in place: Despite being hit by the car, the post was still firm.
- Indicating or possessed of determination or resolution: a firm voice.
- Constant; steadfast: a firm ally.
- Not subject to change; fixed and definite: a firm bargain; a firm offer.
- Unfluctuating; steady: Stock prices are still firm.
- Strong and sure: a firm grasp.
To make or become firm. Often used with up.
adv., firmer, firmest.
Without wavering; resolutely: stand firm.
[Middle English ferm, from Old French, from Latin firmus.]
firmly firm'ly adv.firmness firm'ness n.
firm2 (fûrm)
n.
- A commercial partnership of two or more persons, especially when unincorporated.
- The name or designation under which a company transacts business.
[Italian firma, from firmare, to ratify by signature, from Medieval Latin firmāre, from Latin, to confirm, from firmus, firm.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
