acid

word

/ˈæsəd/
A-sid
/ˈæsɪd/
A-sid

Definition

An acid is a chemical substance that can react with other substances and often has a sour taste or can burn materials. In everyday English, it can also describe something very sharp, harsh, or highly critical.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used in science and everyday phrases like 'acid rain', 'acid reflux', and 'acid test'. As an adjective, 'acid' can mean chemically acidic or, less commonly, sharply critical: 'an acid remark'. Do not confuse it with 'sour', which is more common for taste.

Example Sentences

Lemon juice is acid.

basic

Be careful with this acid in the lab.

basic

The factory caused acid rain in the area.

basic

I can't drink that on an empty stomach—it's too acid for me.

natural

Her review of the movie was so acid that everyone went quiet.

natural

That new cleaner is pretty acid, so wear gloves.

natural