I. ˈkrisp adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Latin crispus; akin to Welsh crych curly
Date: before 12th century
1. : curly , wavy ; also : having close stiff or wiry curls or waves
2.
a. : easily crumbled : brittle
a crisp cracker
b. : desirably firm and crunchy
crisp lettuce
3.
a. : notably sharp, clean-cut, and clear
a crisp illustration
also : concise and to the point
a crisp reply
b. : noticeably neat
crisp new clothes
c. : brisk , lively
a crisp tale of intrigue
crisp musical tempi
d. : briskly cold
crisp winter weather
also : fresh , invigorating
crisp autumn air
a crisp white wine
e. : deftly and powerfully executed
a crisp tennis serve
Synonyms: see fragile
• crisp·ly adverb
• crisp·ness noun
II. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : curl , crimp
2. : to cause to ripple : wrinkle
3. : to make or keep crisp
intransitive verb
1. : curl
2. : ripple
3. : to become crisp
III. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : something crisp or brittle
burned to a crisp
rye crisp s
b. chiefly British : potato chip — usually used in plural
2. : a baked dessert of fruit with crumb topping
apple crisp