asperities

noun pl. asperities

1. roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, weather, etc. or of circumstances
2. harshness or sharpness of temper

Origin: ME & OFr asprete < L asperitas, roughness < asper, rough < IE *apo-spero-, repellent < base *apo-, away + *sper-, to flick away, push