choleric

[ kol-er-ik, kuh-ler-ik ]

adjective

1. extremely irritable or easily angered; irascible:

   a choleric disposition.

   Synonyms: touchy, impatient, testy, wrathful

   Antonyms: tranquil, phlegmatic

2. Obsolete.
   1. bilious.
   2. causing biliousness.

choleric

/ ˈkɒlərɪk /

adjective

1. bad-tempered
2. bilious or causing biliousness

Derived Forms

• ˈcholerically, adverb

Other Words From

• choler·i·cal·ly choler·ic·ly adverb
• choler·ic·ness noun
• non·choler·ic adjective
• un·choler·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of choleric¹

1300–50; Middle English colerik < Medieval Latin colericus bilious, Latin cholericus < Greek cholerikós. See cholera, -ic

Example Sentences

The opponents know this deep down, or at least fear it, and that is the true reason for their choleric obsession.

From The Daily Beast

Habitually unable to contain his choleric temper, Kennedy cut loose when addressing his former Harvard chums in 1937.

From The Daily Beast

Valens was of a timid, and Valentinian of a choleric, disposition.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, this modern Epaminondas made use of the rattan in his choleric moments, and advised its use!

From Project Gutenberg

They make his Majesty angry with the Huguenots—a vice peculiar to his Majesty, who is of choleric humor.

From Project Gutenberg

Being old and choleric, he would go off into a fierce passion against the abolitionists.

From Project Gutenberg

The fever that follows breeding of teeth comes from choleric humours, inflamed by watching, pain and heat.

From Project Gutenberg