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asperity Definition

as·per·ity (ə sper′ə 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 ›
  9. asphodel ›
  10. asphyxia ›