ɪnˈtensɪv adj. & n. --adj. 1
thorough,
vigorous; directed to a
single point,
area, or
subject (intensive
study; intensive bombardment). 2 of or relating to
intensity as opp. to
extent; producing intensity. 3
serving to
increase production in
relation to costs (intensive farming methods). 4 (usu. in comb.) Econ.
making much use of (a labour-intensive industry). 5 Gram. (of an
adjective,
adverb, etc.) expressing intensity; giving force, as
really in my
feet are really
cold. --n. Gram. an intensive adjective, adverb, etc. øintensive
care medical treatment with constant monitoring etc. of a dangerously
ill patient (also (with hyphen) attrib.: intensive-care unit). øøintensively adv. intensiveness n. [F intensif
-ive or med.L intensivus (as INTEND)]