Reading Theme:
Acid Definition: Chemical & Figurative Meanings with Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：corrosive substance (acid)
acid
/ˈæsɪd/
n.
A chemical substance like vinegar or lemon juice. It has a low pH and can sometimes hurt your skin or damage things.
corrosive substance
➕
/kəˈrəʊsɪv ˈsʌbstəns/
n.
A substance with a pH less than 7, often having a sour taste and the ability to react with metals and bases.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'acidus' (sour, sharp), sharing root with 'acetum' (vinegar).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a **Sour CID** (sour police detective) making sharp, biting comments.
📖 Example
Lemon juice contains acid, which is why it tastes sour and can be used to clean a tarnished coin.
Lemon juice contains acid, which is why it tastes sour and can be used to clean a tarnished coin.
🔗 Collocations
strong acid – An acid with high corrosiveness and low pH, like sulfuric acid.
amino acid – The organic compounds that are the building blocks of proteins.
acid rain – Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, harmful to the environment.
🔄 Synonyms
corrosive (adj./n.) – A substance that causes gradual damage or wears away.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The term originates from Latin 'acidus', meaning sour. Beyond chemistry, it entered common speech to describe harsh, 'sharp' remarks, linking the physical sensation of sour taste to the metaphorical sting of criticism.
Meaning 2：sharp criticism (acid)
acid
/ˈæsɪd/
n.
Describes a very sharp, sour taste. Also used to describe harsh, unkind, or critical comments.
sharp criticism
➕
/ʃɑːp ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
n.
Remark or tone that is harsh, bitter, and unkind, causing emotional hurt.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the team lost the match, the coach's acid remarks about their performance made everyone feel terrible.
After the team lost the match, the coach's acid remarks about their performance made everyone feel terrible.
🔗 Collocations
acid tongue – A tendency to speak in a sharp, critical, or sarcastic manner.
acid wit – Clever humor that is sharp, biting, and often critical.
🔄 Synonyms
caustic (adj.) – Language or remarks that are severely critical or sarcastic.
acrimonious (adj.) – Angry and bitter in tone or manner.
vitriolic (adj.) – Filled with bitter criticism or malice.
🚫 Antonyms
kind (adj.) – Gentle, caring, and considerate in speech or action.
complimentary (adj.) – Expressing praise or admiration.
🌱 Derivatives
acidly (adv.) – In a sharp, bitter, or sarcastic manner.
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