First Known Use: 1712
Dictionary
acrid
adjective ac·rid \ˈa-krəd\
: bitter and unpleasant in taste or smell
Full Definition of ACRID
1
: sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor : irritating
2
: deeply or violently bitter : acrimonious <an acrid denunciation>
— acrid·i·ty \a-ˈkri-də-tē, ə-\ noun
— ac·rid·ly \ˈa-krəd-lē\ adverb
— ac·rid·ness noun
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Origin of ACRID
modification of Latin acr-, acer sharp — more at edge
Related to ACRID
- Synonyms
- bitter, acrimonious, embittered, hard, rancorous, resentful, sore
- Antonyms
- unbitter
Synonym Discussion of ACRID
caustic, mordant, acrid, scathing mean stingingly incisive. caustic suggests a biting wit <caustic comments>. mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness <mordant reviews of the play>. acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence <acrid invective>. scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity <a scathing satire>.
ACRIDNESS Defined for Kids
acrid
adjective ac·rid \ˈa-krəd\
Definition of ACRID for Kids
1
: sharp or bitter in taste or odor
2
: very harsh or unpleasant <an acrid manner>
Medical Dictionary
acrid
adjective ac·rid \ˈak-rəd\
Medical Definition of ACRID
: irritatingly sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor
—ac·rid·ly adverb
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