mordacious

[ mawr-dey-shuhs ]

adjective

1. biting or given to biting.
2. sharp or caustic in style, tone, etc.

mordacious

/ mɔːˈdæsɪtɪ; mɔːˈdeɪʃəs /

adjective

1. sarcastic, caustic, or biting

Derived Forms

• morˈdaciously, adverb
• mordacity, noun

Other Words From

• mor·dacious·ly adverb
• mor·dac·i·ty [mawr-, das, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mordacious¹

1640–50; < Latin mordāci- (stem of mordāx given to biting) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of mordacious¹

C17: from Latin mordax, from mordēre to bite

Example Sentences

Unable longer to endure the lash of his mordacious wit, Shaynon turned and left them alone on the balcony.

From Project Gutenberg

Grand-duke and taxes were synonymes, according to this mordacious lexicographer!

From Project Gutenberg