Acrid

Literarylanguageself

Etymology

Formed in English from Latin "acer" (stem "acri-," meaning "sharp, pungent, keen"), with an ending apparently modeled on "acid." The irregular "-id" is generally explained as influence from "acid" (Latin "acidus"). The result is a word for a smell or taste that is sharp to the point of harshness.

  1. adjective · /AK-rid/

    Sharp and harsh, or bitterly unpleasant, in smell or taste.

    What it names

    The word for the stinging sharpness of smoke, scorched things, or chemicals catching in the throat.

    Example

    The acrid smell of burnt toast lingered in the apartment.

    Related idea

    Pungent is sharp but can be pleasant; acrid is sharp in a harsh, irritating, and usually unwelcome way.

See also

CausticPungentRedolent