acerb
English
Etymology
Latin acerbus, from Latin ācer (“sharp”): compare French acerbe. See acrid.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /əˈsɜːb/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GA" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /əˈsɜɹb/
Adjective
acerb (comparative acerber or more acerb, superlative acerbest or most acerb)
- (archaic) Sour, bitter, and harsh to the taste, as unripe fruit.
- Synonym: acerbic
- 1732, Edward Strother, Prælectiones Pharmaco-mathicæ & medico-practicæ:
- If you put Spirit of Sulphur to the Peruvian Bark, it then becomes very acerb. If you mix Mercury with Spirit of Nitre or Oil of Vitriol whilst it boils, it then is very acerb.
- (archaic, figurative) Sharp and harsh in expressing oneself.
- Synonym: acerbic
- 1909, Canada. Parliament. House of Commons, Debates: Official Report (volume 1, page 1970)
- As to the somewhat acerb remarks of the member for Jacques Cartier, I may pass them over […]
Related terms
Translations
bitter to the taste
|
sharp and harsh in expression
References
- “acerb”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.