(ˈ)kan.|ta(i)ŋk(ə)rəs, -aan.|taŋ-, kən.ˈt- adjective
Etymology: perhaps irregular (influence of cankerous, rancorous ) from obsolete conteck, contack contention (from Middle English contek, contak, from Anglo-French contek ) + -ous
1. of a person : marked by ill humor, irritability, and determination to disagree
a cantankerous and venomous-tongued old lady — Dorothy Sayers
2. of an animal or thing : difficult and irritating to deal with or use
a cantankerous burro
a cantankerous pump
Synonyms: see contrary