subacid

[ suhb-as-id ]

adjective

1. slightly or moderately acid or sour:

   a subacid fruit.

2. (of a person or a person's speech, temper, etc.) somewhat biting or sharp.

subacid

/ sʌbˈæsɪd; ˌsʌbəˈsɪdɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of some fruits) moderately acid or sour

Derived Forms

• subacidity, noun
• subˈacidly, adverb

Other Words From

• sub·a·cid·i·ty [suhb-, uh, -, sid, -i-tee], sub·acid·ness noun
• sub·acid·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subacid¹

First recorded in 1660–70; sub- + acid

Example Sentences

Numberless are the jokes made about the Legion of Honour, yet none contain such subacid irony as this one.

From Project Gutenberg

Sapodilla, sap-ō-dil′a, n. a name given in the West Indies to the fruit of several species of Achras, the seeds aperient and diuretic, the pulp subacid and sweet.

From Project Gutenberg

“Good evening,” repeated Christina in a low, subacid voice, looking away into her bowl of sliced onions.

From Project Gutenberg

A variety of cherry known as the Kentish cherry, of a light red colour and fine subacid flavour, is much grown in Kent for drying and cooking purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

He chuckles with sly laughter—genial, sympathetic; he looses his arrow phosphorescent with wit, but not barbed, dipped in something subacid,—straight for the heart.

From Project Gutenberg