(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a shallow pastry case with a filling of food, especially sweet food.
...jam ~s.
...a slice of home-made ~.
N-VAR
2.
If something such as fruit is ~, it has a sharp taste.
The blackberries were a bit too ~ on their own, so we stewed them gently with some apples.
= sharp
ADJ
3.
A ~ remark or way of speaking is sharp and unpleasant, often in a way that is rather cruel.
The words were more ~ than she had intended...
= acid
ADJ
~ly
‘There are other patients on the ward, Lovell,’ the staff nurse reminded her ~ly.
ADV: usu ADV with v
4.
If someone refers to a woman or girl as a ~, they are criticizing her because they think she is sexually immoral or dresses in a way that makes her look sexually immoral. (INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)
N-COUNT disapproval