fast-drying

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.

Structure: fast (quick) + dry (remove moisture) + ing (adjective suffix) - 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.