acerb acerb /ˈæsərb/

adjective

1. Harsh or corrosive in tone  ( acerb , acerbic , acrid , acid , caustic , sulfurous [ N. American] , sulphurous [Canadian, British] , virulent , vitriolic , bitter , blistering )
   harsh or corrosive in tone
    An acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
   an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
    A barrage of acid comments
   a barrage of acid comments
    Her acrid remarks make her many enemies
   her acrid remarks make her many enemies
    Bitter words
   bitter words
    Blistering criticism
   blistering criticism
    Caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
   caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
    A sulfurous denunciation
   a sulfurous denunciation
    A vitriolic critique
   a vitriolic critique
   
2. Sour or bitter in taste  ( acerb , acerbic , astringent )
   sour or bitter in taste