Adjective: acerb
Comparison Forms
Synthetic
| Comparative | acerber |
| Superlative | acerbest |
Perifrastic
| Comparative | more acerb |
| Superlative | most acerb |
Sample Sentences
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If you put Spirit of Sulphur to the Peruvian Bark, it then becomes very acerb. If you mix Mercury with Spirit of Nitre or Oil of Vitriol whilst it boils, it then is very acerb. [1732, Edward Strother, Prælectiones Pharmaco-mathicæ & medico-practicæ:]
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As to the somewhat acerb remarks of the member for Jacques Cartier, I may pass them over […] [1909, Canada. Parliament. House of Commons, Debates: Official Report, volume 1, page 1970:]
Adjectives inflected like acerb
wholsom,
seldom,
scared,
solemn,
silent,
beloved,
uptight,
perfect,
useless,
up-tight,
selfish,
distinct,
discreet,
Dutch,
reckless,
bumfuck,
worthless,
slender,
faithfull,
shallow, etc. (List truncated at 20 adjectives)
Etymology
From Latin acerbus, from Latin ācer (“sharp”): compare French acerbe. See acrid. See: Latin Adjectives '
acerbus', Latin Adjectives '
ācer', French Adjectives '
acerbe'.