Runtiness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Runtiness refers to the condition of being unusually small or stunted in growth, often used to describe the smallest or weakest animal in a litter. It can also imply inferiority in size or development.
Definition:
The quality of being unusually small or stunted, especially in growth or development.
Synonyms:
smallness, puniness, diminutiveness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
largeness, bigness, robustness
Common Collocations:
runtiness in animals, runtiness due to malnutrition, genetic runtiness
Derivatives:
runty, runts
Usage Tips:
Use "runtiness" to describe the condition of being undersized, often in plants, animals, or people due to natural or environmental factors.
Common Phrases:
"the runtiness of the litter, " "overcome runtiness, " "genetic runtiness"
Etymology:
Derived from "runt" (smallest animal in a litter) + "-iness," indicating a state or quality.
Examples:
- 1. The puppy's runtiness made it the smallest in the litter.
- 2. Farmers sometimes cull animals due to runtiness to maintain herd health.
- 3. His runtiness as a child disappeared after a growth spurt in his teens.
- 4. The vet explained that malnutrition caused the kitten's runtiness.