Durus

Durus is a term that may refer to several related uses in language and onomastics. In classical Latin, durus is an adjective meaning hard, tough, or severe. The masculine form is durus, with the feminine dura and the neuter durum. It describes physical hardness as well as figurative severity, and appears in phrases such as terra dura ("hard earth"). The word is a productive root in Latin and has given rise to related terms in the Romance languages that denote hardness, durability, or endurance.

In English and other languages, the root is most visible in words such as durable, durability, and endurance, which trace back to Latin durabilis and the underlying sense of being able to endure or resist wear. The direct Latin word durus itself is rarely used in modern English outside linguistic or historical discussion, but its descendants are common.

In onomastics, Durus can occur as a surname or given name in various cultures, and may appear in brand or organizational names. Without a specific context, the term implies notions of hardness, persistence, or firmness.