acerbic

The definition of acerbic is a tart or bitter taste.

(adjective)

An example of something that is acerbic is a lime.

Acerbic is defined as language or actions which are hostile or sharp.

(adjective)

An example of being acerbic is when someone's tone of voice is harsh.

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See acerbic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. sour in taste
  2. sharp, bitter, or harsh in temper, language, etc.

Origin: Fr acerbe < L acerbus: see acerbity

See acerbic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Sour or bitter tasting; acid. See Synonyms at bitter.
  2. Sharp or biting, as in character or expression: “At times, the playwright allows an acerbic tone to pierce through otherwise arid or flowery prose” (Alvin Klein).

Origin:

Origin: From Latin acerbus; see ak- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • a·cerˈbi·cal·ly adverb

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