Definition

The quality of being able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action; sharpness or bitterness in speech or writing.

Example

The causticity of his remarks left the audience in shock.

Conversation

Did you read that article about the causticity of certain chemicals?

Yeah, it was fascinating! I had no idea some substances could be so dangerous.

I know, right? The way they explained the causticity made it sound really scary.

Exactly! We should be more careful with those things in the lab.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Causticity is formed from "caustic" (from Greek "kaustikos", meaning able to burn) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word refers to the quality of being caustic or having the ability to burn or corrode.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has the 'ability to burn' ('caustic') and the '-ity' that indicates a state or quality. This helps you remember that causticity refers to the quality of being able to burn.

Visually Confused Words