acrid

[ ak-rid ]

adjective

1. sharp or biting to the taste or smell; bitterly pungent; irritating to the eyes, nose, etc.:

   acrid smoke from burning rubber.

2. extremely or sharply stinging or bitter; exceedingly caustic:

   acrid remarks.

acrid

/ əˈkrɪdɪtɪ; ˈækrɪd /

adjective

1. unpleasantly pungent or sharp to the smell or taste
2. sharp or caustic, esp in speech or nature

Derived Forms

• ˈacridly, adverb
• acridity, noun

Other Words From

• a·crid·i·ty [uh, -, krid, -i-tee], ac·rid·ness noun
• ac·rid·ly adverb
• sub·ac·rid adjective
• sub·ac·rid·ly adverb
• sub·ac·rid·ness noun
• suba·crid·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrid¹

1705–15; < Latin ācr- (stem of ācer ) sharp, sour + -id ⁴, perhaps through influence of acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrid¹

C18: from Latin ācer sharp, sour; probably formed on the model of acid

Example Sentences

In recent years, complaints of acrid odors, fiery accidents, soot and harmful emissions have gained new resonance as public officials become more sensitive to accusations of environmental damage.

From Los Angeles Times

While the refinery is a sizable employer, with about 600 employees and 300 contractors operating the site, there have been complaints in recent years of acrid odors, soot and harmful emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

Families living above a tourist railway believe thick acrid smoke from trains is making them ill.

From BBC

The arguments made by antiabortion states to sugarcoat their manifestly misogynistic policies have always borne the acrid odor of cynicism and hypocrisy.

From Los Angeles Times

But in recent years, complaints of acrid odors, fiery accidents, soot and harmful emissions have gained new resonance as officials become more sensitive to accusations of environmental injustice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acrimonious
• vitriolic