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asperity Definition

as·per·ity (ə sperə tē)

noun pl. -·ties

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

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

asperity Synonyms

asperity

n.

  1. Acrimony

    bitterness, sharpness, ill temper; see roughness 2, rudeness.

  2. Hardship

    rigor, severity, difficulty; see difficulty 1, 2, rigor.

  3. Roughness

    harshness, unevenness, ruggedness; see roughness 1.

asperity Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • add: Bert adds the asperity of his Scottish voice to a lilting, traditional ballad called " House Carpenter " .

Noun used with modifier

  • surface: Adhesive Wear: Wear caused by sliding surfaces, where surface asperities interact and adhere.

Browse dictionary entries near asperity

  1. aspergillus
  2. aspergillum
  3. aspergillosis
  4. Asperges
  5. Asperger's syndrome
  6. asper
  7. aspen
  8. aspect ratio
  9. aspect
  10. ASPCA
  1. asperse
  2. aspersion
  3. aspersorium
  4. asphalt
  5. asphalt jungle
  6. asphaltite
  7. asphaltum
  8. aspheric
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  10. asphyxia