adj.
Pronunciation: ' ko ̇ s-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, from kaiein to burn
Date: 14th century
1 : capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE
2 : marked by incisive sarcasm
3 : relating to or being the surface or curve of a caustic
– caus · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– caus · tic · i · ty \ ko ̇ - ' sti-s ə -t ē \ noun
synonyms CAUSTIC , MORDANT , ACRID , SCATHING mean stingingly incisive. CAUSTIC suggests a biting wit < caustic comments>. MORDANT suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness < mordant reviews of the play>. ACRID implies bitterness and often malevolence < acrid invective>. SCATHING implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity <a scathing satire>.