leanness

Ⅰ.

lean [1] ► VERB (past and past part. leaned or chiefly Brit. leant) 1) be in or move into a sloping position. 2) (lean against/on) incline from the perpendicular and rest against. 3) (lean on) rely on for support. 4) (lean to/towards) incline or be partial to (a view or position). 5) (lean on) informal intimidate into doing something.

► NOUN ▪ a deviation from the perpendicular; an inclination.

ORIGIN Old English.

Ⅱ.

lean [2] ► ADJECTIVE 1) (of a person) having no superfluous fat; thin. 2) (of meat) containing little fat. 3) offering little reward, substance, or nourishment: the lean years. 4) informal (of an industry or company) efficient and with no wastage. 5) (of a vaporized fuel mixture) having a high proportion of air.

► NOUN ▪ the lean part of meat.

DERIVATIVES leanly adverb leanness noun.

ORIGIN Old English.