acidic
UK: əˈsɪdɪk | US: əˈsɪdɪk
adj. having the properties of an acid; sour or sharp in taste
adj. (chemistry) containing or producing acid
adj. (figuratively) harsh or critical in tone
The word "acidic" derives from the Latin "acidus" (sour, sharp), which itself comes from "acere" (to be sour). The suffix "-ic" (from Latin "-icus" or Greek "-ikos") transforms nouns into adjectives, indicating "pertaining to." Thus, "acidic" literally means "pertaining to acid," reflecting its chemical and sensory associations with sourness or sharpness. Over time, it also gained figurative use to describe harsh language or criticism.
The lemon juice tasted strongly acidic.
Rainwater can become acidic due to air pollution.
Her acidic remarks offended many in the audience.
The soil in this region is too acidic for most crops.
Scientists measured the acidic levels in the lake after the volcanic eruption.