acerbic

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Circa 17th century, from Latin acerbus (“‘sour, bitter’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /əˈsɜrbɪk/, enPR: ə-sûr'bĭk

  Rhymes: -ɜː(r)bɪk

[edit] Adjective

acerbic (comparative more acerbic, superlative most acerbic)

1. Sour or bitter.
   • 1998, Dr. Peter Gott, "Can inhaler cause addiction?," Catoosa County News, 5 Aug. (retrieved 19 Sep. 2009):

     Those consumers who object to the acerbic taste of garlic can purchase de-odorized garlic or allicin extract.

2. Sarcastic or cynical.
   • 1986, "West Germany: Last Taunts From the Lip," Time, 22 Sept.:

     Supercompetent, superconfident and supercritical, Schmidt is a gifted orator whose acerbic wit earned him the nickname "Schmidt the Lip."

3. Sharp-tempered.
   • 2005, Jay Mathews, "Don't Fire This Professor," Washington Post, 5 May, p. T6:

     [H]e is one of the most acerbic people in his field, quick to take offense and not shy about telling people with whom he disagrees how much he thinks they have failed in thought and action.

[edit] Synonyms

• (sour or bitter): acerb, acrid
• (sarcastic or cynical): acrid, scathing

[edit] Translations

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: abcceir
• breccia