Caustic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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caustic
[หkษหstษชk ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Adjective
chemical properties
Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. Caustic substances are often used in cleaning products.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The caustic soda spilled on the floor and caused a chemical burn on his skin.
- Be careful when handling caustic chemicals, as they can be very dangerous.
Context #2 | Adjective
figurative meaning
Harsh or sarcastic in tone. Caustic remarks can hurt someone's feelings.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is known for her caustic wit, often making sharp comments that catch people off guard.
- His caustic sense of humor sometimes crosses the line into being offensive.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Caustic substances include sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, widely used in cleaning and industrial processes.
- In chemistry, caustic means that a substance can chemically react with and destroy biological tissues.
Literature
- Authors like Oscar Wilde used caustic wit in their writing, often to critique society.
- In modern literature, characters who use caustic language are usually portrayed as sharp-tongued or brutally honest.
Pop Culture
- In movies and shows, caustic humor often leads to memorable quotes due to its biting nature.
- Comedians often master caustic remarks to create punchlines that are both funny and sharply critical.
Psychology
- People who use caustic language may be expressing high levels of frustration or a deep knowledge of a subject.
- Studies show that caustic comments can influence group dynamics, often polarizing opinions.
Origin of 'caustic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'kaustikos', meaning 'burning'.
- It was first recorded in the English language in the 17th century, and it originally referred to substances that can cause tissue destruction.
The word 'caustic' originated from the Latin word 'causticus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'kaustikos', meaning 'capable of burning'. The term has been used since ancient times to describe substances that can burn or corrode. Over the years, 'caustic' has evolved to also represent a harsh or sarcastic tone in language, reflecting the corrosive effect words can have on emotions.