acerbity

[ uh-sur-bi-tee ]

noun

1. sourness, with roughness or astringency of taste.
2. harshness or severity, as of temper or expression.

acerbity

/ əˈsɜːbɪtɪ /

noun

1. vitriolic or embittered speech, temper, etc
2. sourness or bitterness of taste

Word History and Origins

Origin of acerbity¹

From the Latin word acerbitās, dating back to 1565–75. See acerbic, -ity

Example Sentences

Some of Hills acerbity may have been absorbed from Richardson, hurt by the writers silence.

From Project Gutenberg

(p. 505) "I would add that the above message lost none of its acerbity by the manner of its delivery."

From Project Gutenberg

The old maid, who is far from an attractive example of her tribe, is looking venom and acerbity personified.

From Project Gutenberg

"Thank ye kindly," the big man replied with some acerbity, and plunged out into the darkness and rain.

From Project Gutenberg

"No, and you wasn't tellin' me that you had a bill of sale of the fixin's and furniture," replied the Cap'n with acerbity.

From Project Gutenberg