caustic JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈkɒstɪk/ · cas·t·ic
noun
- Any substance or means which, applied to animal or other organic tissue, burns, corrodes, or destroys it by chemical action; an escharotic. The caustic solution used in the laboratory was carefully handled to avoid skin contact.
- The envelope of reflected or refracted rays of light for a given surface or object. The caustic formed by the lens focused the light onto a small area.
- The envelope of reflected or refracted rays for a given curve. The mathematician studied the caustic of the parabola to understand its properties.
adjective
- Capable of burning, corroding or destroying organic tissue. The caustic properties of the acid made it unsuitable for use in the kitchen.
- Sharp, bitter, cutting, biting, and sarcastic in a scathing way. Her caustic remark about the politician's speech left a lasting impression on the audience.
Did you know? The word 'caustic' has been used in various contexts, including chemistry, optics, and linguistics, highlighting its versatility and multiple meanings.