What does "semirigid" mean?
An airship or dirigible which maintains its shape using a combination of internal pressure and a rigid structural framework.
Semirigid
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An airship or dirigible which maintains its shape using a combination of internal pressure and a rigid structural framework.
- Grammar: semirigid is listed as adj, noun.
- Usage evidence: Semirigids were less expensive to build than rigids, and could be laid flat when deflated, making them much more convenient to store or transport long distances, while a semirigid's internal structural reinforcement allowed it to be built larger than a nonrigid and to fly faster without buckling or telescoping.
How to use "semirigid"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "semirigid" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "semirigid" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "semirigid" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 An airship or dirigible which maintains its shape using a combination of internal pressure and a rigid structural framework.
"Semirigids were less expensive to build than rigids, and could be laid flat when deflated, making them much more convenient to store or transport long distances, while a semirigid's internal structural reinforcement allowed it to be built larger than a nonrigid and to fly faster without buckling or telescoping."
Adjective
- 1 Partially rigid. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 not fully rigid wordnet
- 2 having a form maintained by a rigid internal structure as well as by internal gas pressure wordnet
Example
"Semirigids were less expensive to build than rigids, and could be laid flat when deflated, making them much more convenient to store or transport long distances, while a semirigid's internal structural reinforcement allowed it to be built larger than a nonrigid and to fly faster without buckling or telescoping."
Common questions
How do you use "semirigid" in a sentence?
Semirigids were less expensive to build than rigids, and could be laid flat when deflated, making them much more convenient to store or transport long distances, while a semirigid's internal structural reinforcement allowed it to be built larger than a nonrigid and to fly faster without buckling or telescoping.
Etymology
From semi- + rigid.