Main Entry: aus·tere

Pronunciation: \ȯ-ˈstir also -ˈster\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin austerus, from Greek austēros harsh, severe; akin to Greek hauos dry — more at sere

Date: 14th century

1 a : stern and cold in appearance or manner b : somber, grave <an austere critic>
2 : morally strict : ascetic
3 : markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing>
4 : giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets>
5 of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging

synonyms see severe

— aus·tere·ly adverb

— aus·tere·ness noun