Rigidity
Pronunciation : Ri*gid"i*ty
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. rigiditas: cf. F. rigidit?. See Rigid.]
Definition : 1. The quality or state of being rigid; want of pliability; the quality of resisting change of from; the amount of resistance with which a body opposes change of form; -- opposed to flexibility, ductility, malleability, and softness.
2. Stiffness of appearance or manner; want of ease or elegance. Sir H. Wotton.
3. Severity; rigor. [Obs. orR.] Bp. Burnet.
Syn. -- Stiffness; rigidness; inflexibility.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913