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acrid (adj.)

1712, "sharp and bitter to the taste," formed irregularly (perhaps by influence of acrimonious) from Latin acer (fem. acris) "sharp to the senses, pungent, bitter, eager, fierce," also figuratively, of qualities, "active, ardent, spirited," also "hasty, quick, passionate;" of mind "violent, vehement; subtle, penetrating," from PIE *akri- "sharp," from root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce." Of feelings, temper, etc., in English from 1781. The -id suffix probably is in imitation of acid. Acrious (1670s) is a correct formation, but seldom seen. Related: Acridly.

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Definitions of acrid from WordNet

acrid (adj.)
strong and sharp;
the acrid smell of burning rubber
Synonyms: pungent
acrid (adj.)
harsh or corrosive in tone;
her acrid remarks make her many enemies
Synonyms: acerb / acerbic / acid / bitter / blistering / caustic / sulfurous / sulphurous / virulent / vitriolic
From wordnet.princeton.edu