acerbic

adj

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-rós Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱrós Proto-Italic *akris Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-dʰh₁-os Proto-Italic *-iðos Proto-Italic *akriðos Latin acerbusder. English acerbic Attested since the 17th century, from Latin acerbus (“sour, bitter”).

1. Tasting sour or bitter.

   “Those consumers who object to the acerbic taste of garlic can purchase de-odorized garlic or allicin extract.”

2. Sharp, harsh, biting.

   “Supercompetent, superconfident and supercritical, Schmidt is a gifted orator whose acerbic wit earned him the nickname "Schmidt the Lip."”

   “[H]e 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.”