01 n. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others; also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the juices of certain plants.
pl.
Acrimonies
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1.
A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others; also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the juices of certain plants.[Archaic]
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2.
Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper; irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.“John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant conceit of theirs.” — South.“In his official letters he expressed, with great acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.” — Macaulay.“It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.” — Johnson.“A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth of harshness and brutality.” — Shaftesbury.
Syn.
Acrimony, Asperity, Harshness, Tartness.
These words express different degrees of angry feeling or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness of accusation; acrimony of invective.