acerb
Pronunciations (4)
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/əˈsɜːb/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
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/əˈsɜɹb/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
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əˈsɜːb
Pronunciation notes
- GB
-
əˈsɜɹb
Pronunciation notes
- US
Adjective
Sour, bitter, and harsh to the taste, such as unripe fruit.
Usage- Archaic
- Synonyms
- Examples
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More examples (1)
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.
Sharp and harsh in expressing oneself.
Usage- Archaic
- Figurative
- Synonyms
- Examples
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As to the somewhat acerb remarks of the member for Jacques Cartier, I may pass them over […]
Adjective
sour or bitter in taste
- Synonyms
harsh or corrosive in tone
- Examples
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an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
a barrage of acid comments
More examples (6)
her acrid remarks make her many enemies
bitter words
blistering criticism
caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
a sulfurous denunciation
a vitriolic critique
Word forms
acerbermore acerbacerbestmost acerb