ˈrʌɡɪd adj. 1 (of ground or terrain) having a
rough uneven surface. 2 (of features) strongly
marked;
irregular in
outline. 3 a
unpolished;
lacking gentleness or
refinement (rugged grandeur). b
harsh in
sound. c
austere,
unbending (rugged honesty). d involving
hardship (a rugged life). 4 (esp. of a machine)
robust,
sturdy. øøruggedly adv. ruggedness n. [ME, prob. f. Scand.:
cf.
RUG,
and Sw. rugga, roughen]