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.
2. Sarcastic or cynical

   e.g. acerbic wit; "Well, he's certainly the bright bulb among the 25-watters..."

3. Sharp-tempered.

   • "...he 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." — Washington Post, May 5, 2005

[edit] Synonyms

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

[edit] Translations

[edit] Anagrams

• breccia