SuaviloquyToday’s word

acrid

Acrid, a.

Etymology: [L. acer sharp; prob. assimilated in form to acid. See Eager.]

1. Sharp and harsh, or bitter and not, to the taste; pungent; as, acrid salts.

2. Causing heat and irritation; corrosive; as, acrid secretions.

3. Caustic; bitter; bitterly irritating; as, acrid temper, mind, writing. Acrid poison, a poison which irritates, corrodes, or burns the parts to which it is applied.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for acrid; he lists it under bitter.

Where he writes about it:

Acrid is nearly allied to bitter. — from bitter