pyknic

adjective

pyk·​nic ˈpik-nik How to pronounce pyknic (audio)
: characterized by shortness of stature, broadness of girth, and powerful muscularity : endomorphic sense 2
pyknic noun

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek pyknos dense, stocky

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyknic was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near pyknic

pyke

pyknic

pykno-

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Cite this Entry

“Pyknic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyknic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

pyknic

1 of 2 adjective
pyk·​nic
variants also pycnic
ˈpik-nik How to pronounce pyknic (audio)
: characterized by shortness of stature, broadness of girth, and powerful muscularity : endomorphic sense 2

pyknic

2 of 2 noun
variants also pycnic
: a person of pyknic build
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