Also means
harsh (of climate)
Usage Note
Rigoureux follows the standard -eux/-euse pattern, with feminine rigoureuse. It describes both intellectual strictness (une analyse rigoureuse) and severe conditions (un hiver rigoureux). The noun rigueur gives the common phrase à la rigueur meaning 'at a pinch' or 'if absolutely necessary'.
Examples
"La méthode scientifique doit être rigoureuse."
Natural Translation
The scientific method must be rigorous.

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