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

6 days ago · A caustic solution is a strongly alkaline (basic) liquid that can dissolve organic material, corrode metals, and cause severe chemical burns on contact with skin or eyes.

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

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 …

Jan 20, 2026 · caustic (countable and uncountable, plural caustics) Any substance or means which, applied to animal or other organic tissue, burns, corrodes, or destroys it by chemical action; an …

"Caustic" is one of those words that packs quite a punch. While it might sound like a fancy term for something abrasive, it basically refers to anything that can burn, corrode, or critically bite.

An agent or preparation having an effect on the skin or other tissues resembling that of a burn caused by heat; spec. (more fully potential caustic) one that is used to destroy abnormal tissue.

The chemical was so caustic that it ate through the pipes. She wrote a caustic report about the decisions that led to the crisis.