Causticity

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /kɔːˈstɪsɪti/

Definitions

1. The quality of language or behavior that is sharply critical or bitter in tone ; the chemical characteristic that enables a substance to burn, corrode, or destroy organic material
2. The sharpness or severity expressed in remarks or attitude ; a property of chemicals that causes damage or decay to living tissues through burning
3. The biting or cutting nature of someone's words or demeanor ; the corrosive ability of certain substances to cause tissue damage or chemical burns

Etymology: Causticity is a plain English formation: "caustic" with the suffix "-ity" attached. The adjective "caustic" comes ultimately from Greek "kaustikos," meaning "burning," from "kaiein," "to burn," and reached English through Latin "causticus." Its first sense was literal, describing substances that corrode or burn tissue, such as lye or silver nitrate. The sense of cutting, bitter wit came later, and "causticity" follows that figurative use. The suffix does the grammatical work. "-ity" comes through Old French "-ite" from Latin "-itas," a noun-forming ending that turns an adjective into a name for a quality. English had long used it for words like "clarity" and "rapidity," so "causticity" simply names the quality of being caustic. Its meaning is therefore the quality of biting, stinging speech or writing, rather than the chemical property it first described.

Synonyms: acridity, pungency, sharpness, bitterness, severity

Antonyms: sweetness, mildness, gentleness, kindness, pleasantness