caustic etymology

Etymology:

• Late Latin: causticus
• Greek: kaustikos, meaning "burning, fit for burning"
• From the Greek root kaien, meaning "to burn"

Meaning:

1. Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying by chemical action.

• "The caustic soda solution burned a hole through the fabric."

1. Harsh or corrosive in language or manner.

• "The coach gave a caustic speech to the team."

1. (of a substance) Highly alkaline and able to react with acids to produce heat.

• "Potassium hydroxide is a strong caustic."

Origin:

The word "caustic" entered English from Late Latin in the 16th century. It ultimately derives from the Greek word kaien, meaning "to burn." The Greek word kaustikos originally referred to substances that were used for cauterizing wounds. Over time, the meaning of "caustic" expanded to include other substances that could burn or corrode.

caustic relate terms

• calm

  Etymology Middle English calmen from Old French calmer from Latin calmare meaning

• caustic

  Etymology Late Latin causticus Greek kaustikos meaning burning fit for burning Fr

• encaustic

  Etymology Greek ἐγκαυστικός enkaustikos meaning burnt in Meaning A

• caustic

  Etymology Late Latin causticus Greek kaustikos meaning burning fit for burning Fr

• acid

  Etymology The word acid comes from the Latin word acidus meaning sour This word i

• acrid

  Etymology The word acrid comes from the Late Latin word acris meaning sharp or

• vitriol

  Etymology The word vitriol comes from the Latin word vitreolum which means glassy

• potential

  Etymology The term etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true meanin

• dormant

  Etymology The word dormant comes from the Latin word dormire which means to sleep

• bitter

  Etymology The word bitter comes from the Old English word biter which is related to

• compound

  Etymology Compound a word formed from two or more root words or morphemes Meaning