acrid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite strong and sharp
    pungent.
    • the pungent taste of radishes
    • the acrid smell of burning rubber
  2. adjective satellite harsh or corrosive in tone
    blistering; acerbic; vitriolic; virulent; sulphurous; acerb; sulfurous; caustic; acid; bitter.
    • an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
    • a barrage of acid comments
    • her acrid remarks make her many enemies
    • bitter words
    • blistering criticism
    • caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
    • a sulfurous denunciation
    • a vitriolic critique

WordNet

Ac"rid adjective
Etymology
L. acer sharp; prob. assimilated in form to acid. See Eager.
Definitions
  1. Sharp and harsh, or bitter and not, to the taste; pungent; as, acrid salts.
  2. Causing heat and irritation; corrosive; as, acrid secretions.
  3. Caustic; bitter; bitterly irritating; as, acrid temper, mind, writing.

Webster 1913