adjective / noun
caustic
KAW-stik/ˈkɔːstɪk/
Able to burn or corrode living tissue.
The warning label identifies the cleaning solution as highly caustic.
Etymology
The burning root first described substances that corrode living tissue. Applied to speech, that destructive burning became an image for biting sarcasm or severe criticism.
In context
dry and sometimes caustic sense of humor
More examples
- The caustic liquid can burn exposed skin.
- Laboratory staff store caustics in suitable containers.
- The laboratory stores the caustic solution in a suitable container.
Forms
caustic · caustics
Similar words
- corrosive
- Emphasizes destructive chemical action on tissue or other materials.
- acerbic
- Specifically describes a sharp or biting manner of expression.