Caustic

/ˈkɔːstɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A caustic substance; a corrosive material.

Sodium hydroxide is a common caustic used in cleaning products.

adjective

Able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action.

The caustic substance spilled on the laboratory floor, creating a hazardous situation.

Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way.

Her caustic remarks during the meeting made it clear she was frustrated with the team's performance.

From Greek 'kaustikos' meaning 'able to burn, burning', from 'kausis' meaning 'a burning'.

caustic comment

A remark that is sharply critical or sarcastic.

caustic soda

A strong alkaline compound used in cleaning agents and various industrial processes.

caustic wit

A form of humor that involves clever and often harsh sarcasm.

causticity

The quality of being caustic.

caustically

In a caustic manner.

Bitterly sarcastic.

He can be pretty caustic when he's in a bad mood.

Poisonous in conversation.

Her caustic tongue got her into trouble at work.