bitterness Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
    gall; rancour; rancor; resentment.
  2. noun a rough and bitter manner
    acrimony; tartness; acerbity; thorniness; jaundice.
  3. noun the taste experience when quinine or coffee is taken into the mouth
    bitter.
  4. noun the property of having a harsh unpleasant taste
    bitter.

WordNet

Bit"ter*ness noun
Etymology
AS. biternys; biter better + -nys = -ness.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being bitter, sharp, or acrid, in either a literal or figurative sense; implacableness; resentfulness; severity; keenness of reproach or sarcasm; deep distress, grief, or vexation of mind.
    The lip that curls with bitterness. Percival.
    I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job vii. 11.
  2. A state of extreme impiety or enmity to God.
    Thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts viii. 23.
  3. Dangerous error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy.
    Looking diligently, . . . lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you. Heb. xii. 15.

Webster 1913