I. ˈbi-tər adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bītan to bite — more at bite
Date: before 12th century
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 bitter sense of shame
2. : marked by intensity or severity:
a. : accompanied by severe pain or suffering
a bitter death
b. : being relentlessly determined : vehement
a bitter partisan
c. : exhibiting intense animosity
bitter enemies
d.
(1) : harshly reproachful
bitter complaints
(2) : marked by cynicism and rancor
bitter contempt
e. : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness
a bitter wind
3. : expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret
bitter tears
• bit·ter·ish ˈbi-tə-rish adjective
• bit·ter·ly adverb
• bit·ter·ness noun
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1. : bitter quality
2.
a. plural : a usually alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used especially in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic
b. British : a very dry heavily hopped ale
III. transitive verb
Date: 12th century
: to make bitter
bitter ed ale
IV. adverb
Date: 1749
: to a bitter degree
it's bitter cold