acrid
UK: ˈækrɪd | US: ˈækrɪd
adj. having a strong, bitter, or unpleasant taste or smell
adj. sharp or biting in tone or manner
acrid = acr<sharp, bitter> + id<adjective suffix>
- acr (from Latin acer, meaning "sharp" or "bitter")
- id (a suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a quality or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word acrid traces back to the Latin acer, meaning "sharp" or "pungent," which also gave rise to words like acid and acrimony. The suffix -id was added in English to form an adjective describing a sharp or bitter quality, originally applied to tastes and smells but later extended to describe harsh tones or behaviors. The evolution reflects how sensory experiences (like bitterness) metaphorically describe abstract qualities (like sharp criticism).
The acrid smell of burning rubber filled the air after the car accident.
Her acrid remarks during the meeting left everyone uncomfortable.
The chemical spill released an acrid vapor that made people cough.
His acrid sense of humor often offended others.
The acrid taste of the medicine made it hard to swallow.