crisp
UK: /krɪsp/ | US: /krɪsp/
adj. 1. (of food) firm, dry, and brittle, making a sharp sound when broken or crushed (e.g., crisp bread).
adj. 2. (of weather or air) cool, fresh, and invigorating (e.g., a crisp autumn morning).
adj. 3. (of manner or speech) briskly decisive and clear (e.g., a crisp reply).
vt./vi. 4. to make or become crisp (e.g., crisping the bacon).
The word "crisp" traces back to the Latin crispus, meaning "curled" or "wrinkled," often describing hair or foliage. Over time, its meaning shifted in Old English (crisp) to emphasize the texture of things that are tightly curled or brittle, eventually evolving to describe the sharp, dry quality of food (e.g., "crisp lettuce") and the freshness of air or speech. The logical progression ties the idea of "tightness" (curled hair) to "brittleness" (crisp food) and "clarity" (crisp speech).
The apples were fresh and crisp, perfect for the salad.
She stepped outside into the crisp morning air.
His instructions were crisp and to the point.
Bake the pastry until it turns golden and crisp.
The leaves crunched underfoot with a crisp sound.