[bit.ter] adj [ME, fr. OE biter; akin to OHG bittar bitter, OE bitan] (bef. 12c) 1 a: being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops--compare salt, sour, sweet b: distasteful or distressing to the mind: galling "a ~ sense of shame"
2: marked by intensity or severity: a: accompanied by severe pain or suffering "a ~ death" b: being relentlessly determined: vehement "a ~ partisan" c: exhibiting intense animosity "~ enemies" d (1): harshly reproachful "~ complaints" (2): marked by cynicism and rancor "~ contempt" e: intensely unpleasant esp. in coldness or rawness
3: expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret "~ tears" -- bit.ter.ish adj -- bit.ter.ly adv -- bit.ter.ness n
[2]bitter n (bef. 12c) 1: bitter quality
2. a pl: a usu. alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used esp. in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic b Brit: a very dry heavily hopped ale [3]bitter vt (12c): to make bitter "~ed ale" [4]bitter adv (1749): to a bitter degree "it's ~ cold"