| / English Dictionary |
CAUSTIC
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("caustic" is a kind of...):
chemical compound; compound ((chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "caustic"):
lye (a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide)
silver nitrate (a nitrate used in making photographic emulsions; also used in medicine as a cautery and as a topical antibacterial agent)
Derivation:
caustic (of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
Synonyms:
caustic; corrosive; erosive; mordant; vitriolic
Classified under:
Similar:
destructive (causing destruction or much damage)
Derivation:
caustic (any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Harsh or corrosive in tone
Example:
a vitriolic critique
Synonyms:
acerb; acerbic; acid; acrid; bitter; blistering; caustic; sulfurous; sulphurous; virulent; vitriolic
Classified under:
Similar:
unpleasant (offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness)
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