- Today's Word
Caustic
KAW-stik
Definition
- (adjective) Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying organic tissue.
- Harshly critical or sarcastic.
Example
His caustic wit often left people unsure whether to laugh or take offense.
Fun Fact
The word “caustic” originally comes from the Greek kaustikos, meaning “burning.” While it first described substances that physically burned, it later extended to describe sharp, biting remarks that metaphorically “burn” through conversation. Some of history’s most famous figures, including Winston Churchill and Dorothy Parker, were known for their caustic humor.
(noun) Deep, persistent bitterness or resentment.
Years after their falling-out, a quiet rancor still lingered between them.
From Latin rancere, meaning “to stink” or “be rotten,” echoing the idea of bitterness that festers over time.