asperity

views updated May 23 2018

as·per·i·ty / əˈsperitē/ • n. (pl. -ties) harshness of tone or manner: he pointed this out with some asperity. ∎  (asperities) harsh qualities or conditions: the asperities of a harsh and divided society. ∎  (usu. asperities) a rough edge on a surface: the asperities of the metal surfaces.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

asperity

views updated May 17 2018

asperity XV. — L. asperitās, -tāt-, f. asper rough; see -ITY.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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