stive

1 of 3

verb

ˈstīv

-ed/-ing/-s

transitive verb

1

: to pack tightly : crowd

2

: to shut up in a warm close place : stifle, suffocate

intransitive verb

: suffocate

stive

2 of 3

noun

"

plural -s

: dust

especially : the floating dust in flour mills caused by grinding

stive

3 of 3

"

chiefly Scottish variant of steeve:1

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English stiven, probably from Spanish estibar or Portuguese estivar to pack tightly

Noun

obsolete Dutch stuive, from Middle Dutch stuve, stuyve pulverization; akin to Middle Dutch stuven, stieven to raise dust, Middle Low German stūven to raise dust, stübbe dust, Old High German stoub dust, stioban to raise dust, stuppi dust, Gothic stubjus

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now