fast-drying
Meaning
Designed to or able to dry very quickly.
Structure
Usage
This fast-drying glue is perfect for craft projects.
She bought a fast-drying nail polish to save time.
The brand is known for its fast-drying acrylic paints.
Etymology
The compound adjective "fast-drying" is a modern formation built from native English elements. The word "fast" has a complex history, originating from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "firm" or "fixed," which evolved to signify rapid motion, likely from the idea of holding firmly to a purpose. The verb "dry" stems from a Proto-Germanic root for dryness. The "-ing" suffix is the productive adjectival participial ending. The logic of the compound is transparent: it literally describes something that performs the action of drying in a quick or rapid manner, a concept directly applied to paints, adhesives, fabrics, and other materials.
Analysis
- fast: From Old English fæst meaning "firm, fixed, steadfast," later developing the sense "quick, speedy." In this compound, it functions as an intensifying adverb meaning "quickly." - dry: From Old English drȳge meaning "free from moisture." In this compound, it is the verb stem meaning "to remove moisture." - ing: A suffix from Old English -ende, -inge, used to form present participles and adjectives from verbs, indicating a characteristic or function.