- Today's Word
Acerbic
uh-SUR-bik
Definition
- (adjective) Harsh, sharp, or biting in tone, manner, or taste.
Example
His acerbic wit made him popular among his friends but often got him into trouble.
Fun Fact
“Acerbic” comes from the Latin acerbus, meaning “bitter” or “sour,” originally referring to taste. Over time, the word took on a figurative meaning, describing sharp or cutting remarks. Many famous figures—like Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde—were known for their acerbic humor, delivering witty but often biting commentary.
(verb) To bear fruit or become productive; to make fruitful or productive
Years of patient investment in the community finally began to fructify, with new businesses and gathering spaces opening across the neighborhood.
Fructify derives from the Latin fructificare — from fructus (“fruit”) + facere (“to make”). It entered English in the 14th century, used first in its literal agricultural sense before quickly extending to describe any endeavor that yields results after a period of cultivation and patience.