Main Entry: can·tan·ker·ous

Pronunciation: \kan-ˈtaŋ-k(ə-)rəs, kən-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: perhaps irregular from obsolete contack contention

Date: 1772

: difficult or irritating to deal with <a cantankerous mule>

— can·tan·ker·ous·ly adverb

— can·tan·ker·ous·ness noun