acerb-, acerbo-; acri-, acrid-
(Latin: bitter, sharp, sour, stinging)
Formed from a blend of Latin acer- (feminine acris, neuter acre) which are both related to Latin acus, "needle"; acies, "sharp edge, point, the front of an army, line of battle, battle array"; and acuere, "to sharpen".
acerbate (verb), acerbates; acerbated; acerbating
1. To make sour or bitter: Harry's wife acerbated the salad dressing with strong vinegar.
2. To irritate, vex, or annoy: Sam was acerbating his wife when he complained about the excessive sourness of the salad dressing.
3. Expressing harsh or sharp criticism in a clever way: Some news critics were acerbating the so-called comic's TV show.
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2. To irritate, vex, or annoy: Sam was acerbating his wife when he complained about the excessive sourness of the salad dressing.
3. Expressing harsh or sharp criticism in a clever way: Some news critics were acerbating the so-called comic's TV show.
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acerbic (adjective), more acerbic, most acerbic
1. Having a bitter or sour taste: The wine had an acerbic taste and Andre thought it wasn't good to drink.
2. Sharp or bitter in temper, mood, or expression: Lorna's acerbic personality had a negative effect on many people; however, her poetry was lovely.
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2. Sharp or bitter in temper, mood, or expression: Lorna's acerbic personality had a negative effect on many people; however, her poetry was lovely.
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1. Sourness of taste, with bitterness and astringency, as of unripe fruit.
2. Harshness, bitterness, or severity: "She had a reputation for expressing her temperamental acerbities in language which was very bitter and disturbing for those to whom she directed such acerbities."
2. Harshness, bitterness, or severity: "She had a reputation for expressing her temperamental acerbities in language which was very bitter and disturbing for those to whom she directed such acerbities."
An extreme anxiety about consuming sour or bitter tasting foods or liquids: Individuals who are affected by acerbophobia avoid eating anything that is even slightly unsavory or distasteful.
A term indicating an abnormal nervousness about having any sharp tasting edibles or liquids: Acerophobia is used for people who cannot tolerate foods which they consider to be rancid or stale.
acerose
Sharp pointed and slender, as a pine needle.
acidiferous
Producing or yielding an acid.
acidulous (adjective), more acidulous, most acidulous
1. Slightly sour, sourish, sub-acid; somewhat acidic: The salad chef created a tangy, acidulous dressing for the salad.
2. Cutting and sharp in speech or tone; harsh: Based on Cory's acidulous remarks, there were those who suspected that she was angry with the person she was referring to.
3. Etymology: from Latin acidus, "sour".
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2. Cutting and sharp in speech or tone; harsh: Based on Cory's acidulous remarks, there were those who suspected that she was angry with the person she was referring to.
3. Etymology: from Latin acidus, "sour".
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acrid (adjective), more acrid, most acrid
1. Descriptive of being sharp, bitter, or stinging to the mouth, taste, smell, eyes, skin, and the nose: Thick, acrid smoke was being expelled from the factory's chimney.
2. A reference to being irritating in behavior or sarcastic in speech, writing, etc.: When Jim was asked why he failed to arrive for the business meeting on time, he replied with an acrid remark about a policeman who gave him a ticket for speeding.
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2. A reference to being irritating in behavior or sarcastic in speech, writing, etc.: When Jim was asked why he failed to arrive for the business meeting on time, he replied with an acrid remark about a policeman who gave him a ticket for speeding.
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acridian
acridine
A dye, dye intermediate, and antiseptic precursor derived from coal tar and irritating to the skin and to the mucous membranes.
acridity
acridly
acridness
acrimonious (adjective), more acrimonious, most acrimonious
Bitter, harsh, and caustic in temper, manner, or speech: "Mr. Jones, who was normally courteous and mild mannered, gave his political opponent at the debate an acrimonious response to the accusation that was made."
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