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acid
noun
Having a sour, sharp, or biting taste; relating to or containing an acid; characterized by harshness or bitterness in manner or speech. In chemistry, describes substances with pH below 7 that can donate hydrogen ions.
Etymology
Example
"Her acid commentary on the mayor's policies revealed both her sharp wit and her deep frustration with local government."
Usage Notes
Acid has both literal and figurative uses. Literally refers to sour taste or chemical properties. Figuratively describes harsh, bitter speech or temperament ('acid tongue,' 'acid remarks'). The figurative sense carries strong negative connotations of cruelty or sarcasm. Common in both scientific and everyday contexts, but figurative use is more formal/literary.