TENA'CIOUS, adjective [Latin tenax, from teneo, to hold.]

1. Holding fast, or inclined to hold fast; inclined to retain what is in possession; as men tenacious of their just rights. Men are usually tenacious of their opinions, as well as of their property.

2. Retentive; apt to retain long what is committed to it; as a tenacious memory.

3. Adhesive; apt to adhere to another substance; as oily, glutinous or viscous matter. Few substances are to tenacious as tar.

4. Niggardly; close fisted.