acerb
adjUK /əˈsɜːb/ · US /əˈsɜɹb/
Etymology From Latin acerbus, from Latin ācer (“sharp”): compare French acerbe. See acrid.
1
Archaic Sour, bitter, and harsh to the taste, such as unripe fruit.
- 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.1732, Edward Strother, Prælectiones Pharmaco-mathicæ & medico-practicæ:
2
Archaic, Figuratively Sharp and harsh in expressing oneself.
- As to the somewhat acerb remarks of the member for Jacques Cartier, I may pass them over […]1909, Canada. Parliament. House of Commons, Debates: Official Report, volume 1, page 1970:
- Derived terms
- acerbly
- Related terms
- acerbate, acerbically, acerbity, exacerbate