\In`ge*nu"i*ty\, n. [L. ingenuitas ingenuousness: cf.
F. ing['e]nuit['e]. See {Ingenuous}.]
1. The quality or power of ready invention; quickness or
   acuteness in forming new combinations; ingeniousness;
   skill in devising or combining.
         All the means which human ingenuity has contrived.
                                               --Blair.
2. Curiousness, or cleverness in design or contrivance; as,
   the ingenuity of a plan, or of mechanism.
         He gives . . . To artist ingenuity and skill.
                                               --Cowper.
3. Openness of heart; ingenuousness. [Obs.]
         The stings and remorses of natural ingenuity, a
         principle that men scarcely ever shake off, as long
         as they carry anything of human nature about them.
                                               --South.
Syn: Inventiveness; ingeniousness; skill; cunning;
     cleverness; genius.
Usage: {Ingenuity}, {Cleverness}. Ingenuity is a form of
       genius, and cleverness of talent. The former implies
       invention, the letter a peculiar dexterity and
       readiness of execution. Sir James Mackintosh remarks
       that the English overdo in the use of the word clever
       and cleverness, applying them loosely to almost every
       form of intellectual ability.