high-strength
UK[ˌhaɪ ˈstreŋθ]US[ˌhaɪ ˈstreŋθ]
adj
Having great physical strength or durability; able to withstand stress or force.
adj
(of a material, alloy, or structure) Possessing a high tensile or yield strength.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
strength
high
elevated degree
strength
force, power
Etymology
The compound adjective 'high-strength' is a modern English formation that follows a transparent Germanic compounding pattern. Its first element, 'high', derives from the Proto-Germanic hauhaz, meaning 'tall, lofty', which evolved in English to also signify a large degree or extreme measure. The second element, 'strength', originates from the Proto-Germanic strangithō, a noun formed from the adjective strangaz (strong) with an abstract noun suffix. The literal combination, 'of high strength', directly and logically describes an entity possessing an elevated degree of physical power or resistance, a meaning that remains entirely consistent from its constituent parts to its modern technical and general usage.
Analysis
Structure: high (elevated degree) + strength (force, power)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective or adverb, here used as an intensifying adjective meaning 'of a great degree or intensity'.
- strength: From Old English strengþu, strengthu, from the Germanic base of strong + the noun suffix -th. Functions as a noun, here used in a compound to denote the property being intensified.
Examples
The bridge was constructed using high-strength steel to support heavy loads.
This high-strength adhesive is recommended for bonding metals and ceramics.
The new polymer is both lightweight and high-strength, making it ideal for aerospace applications.