Word of the Day - 10/07/25
caustic
/'kɔstɪk/(adj.): of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
The caustic drain cleaner quickly dissolved the stubborn clog.
(adj.): harsh or corrosive in tone
Her caustic remarks made everyone uncomfortable during the meeting.
(n.): any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue
Handle the concentrated caustic with extreme care, as it can cause severe burns.
Word Origin
The word 'caustic' originates from Late Latin 'causticus', which in turn comes from the Greek word 'kaustikos', meaning 'able to burn'. This Greek term is derived from 'kaustos', meaning 'burnt', and ultimately from the verb 'kaiein', which means 'to burn'.
Words with similar origins include 'cauterize', which comes from the same Greek root 'kaiein' via 'kauterion' (a burning iron), 'holocaust' from 'holos' (whole) + 'kaustos' (burnt), and 'encaustic' referring to a painting method using heated wax.