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Dictionary


bit•ter



Pronunciation: (bit'ur), [key]
—adj., -er, -est,
—n., v., adv.

—adj.
1. having a harsh, disagreeably acrid taste, like that of aspirin, quinine, wormwood, or aloes.
2. producing one of the four basic taste sensations; not sour, sweet, or salt.
3. hard to bear; grievous; distressful: a bitter sorrow.
4. causing pain; piercing; stinging: a bitter chill.
5. characterized by intense antagonism or hostility: bitter hatred.
6. hard to admit or accept: a bitter lesson.
7. resentful or cynical: bitter words.

—n.
1. that which is bitter; bitterness: Learn to take the bitter with the sweet.
2. Brit.a very dry ale having a strong taste of hops.

—v.t.
to make bitter: herbs employed to bitter vermouth.

—adv.
extremely; very; exceedingly: a bitter cold night.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

bittenbitter apple
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