| English Dictionary |
ACERBIC
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does acerbic mean?
• ACERBIC (adjective)
The adjective ACERBIC has 2 senses:
1. sour or bitter in taste
2. harsh or corrosive in tone
Familiarity information: ACERBIC used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Sour or bitter in taste
Synonyms:
acerb; acerbic; astringent
Similar:
sour (having a sharp biting taste)
Derivation:
acerbity (a sharp sour taste)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Harsh or corrosive in tone
Synonyms:
acerb; acerbic; acid; acrid; bitter; blistering; caustic; sulfurous; sulphurous; virulent; vitriolic
Context example:
a vitriolic critique
Similar:
unpleasant (offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness)
Derivation:
acerbity (a rough and bitter manner)
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