Caustic
/ˈkɔː.stɪk/noun
Able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action.
Did you know?The term 'caustic' is linked to ancient Greek rituals where substances were used to burn offerings, symbolizing purification and transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καυστικός (kaustikos)
“Pertaining to burning or able to burn.”
Late Latin
Latin
causticus
“Of or relating to burning, corrosive.”
Old French
Old French
caustique
“Burning or corrosive; used in alchemical contexts.”
14th Century
Middle English
caustik
“Referring to substances that can burn or corrode.”
Modern English
English
caustic
“Describing chemical substances that cause destruction by burning.”
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