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 …

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

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

Caustic (mathematics), the envelope of rays reflected or refracted by a manifold Caustic (optics), optic phenomenon due to light rays reflecting/refracting through curved surfaces/objects

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.

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.

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 …

Nov 4, 2025 · Capable of burning, corroding or destroying organic tissue. "How now!" said Scrooge, caustic and cold as ever. The Secretary and the Assistant-Secretaries would say …

capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark. n. a caustic substance. See caustic curve. See caustic surface. caus•tic•i•ty (kô stis′ i …