Definition of stony

The origin of the word "stony" can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was spelled "stanig" or "stanigge". The root word "stan" meant "stone" in Old English and was used to describe both natural and man-made objects made of stone. The Old English word "stanig" or "stanigge" is thought to have described places or things that were covered in, or composed mostly of, stones. Over time, the word evolved in spelling and pronunciation, eventually becoming "stony" in Middle English. In modern English, the word "stony" is still used to describe places or things that are composed of or covered in rocks or stones. For example, "stony beach" refers to a beach with many rocks or stones, whereas "stony silence" describes a complete absence of sound or noise, likening it to the silence that can be found in a place where rocks have been placed together tightly. In summary, the word "stony" is derived from the Old English word "stan", which meant "stone", and over time, has come to describe places or things that are composed of or covered in rocks or stones. Its meaning has remained relatively constant over the centuries, but its spelling and pronunciation have certainly changed.