Caustic was formed in Middle English as an adjective describing chemical substances, such as lime and lye, that are capable of destroying or eating away at something. The word is based on the Latin …

CAUSTIC definition: 1. A caustic chemical burns or destroys things, especially anything made of living cells: 2. A…. Learn more.

Caustic definition: capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.. See examples of CAUSTIC used in a sentence.

1. capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. 2. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark. n. 3. a caustic substance, as potassium hydroxide.

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Definition of caustic adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A caustic remark is extremely critical, cruel, or bitter. His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare. He was often caustic and mocking, or flew into rages. She was caustically …

Sep 2, 2025 · Caustic substances are characterized by their extreme chemical reactivity, which allows them to destroy or irreversibly alter other materials through chemical reactions. This destructive …

Oct 27, 2023 · Acids release hydrogen ions in solution, typically sour, while caustics, or bases, release hydroxide ions, often slippery and bitter. Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when …

Use the adjective caustic to describe any chemical that is able to burn living tissue or other substances, or, figuratively, a statement that has a similarly burning effect.