crisp

¹crisp

adjective \ˈkrisp\

Definition of CRISP

1

: curly, wavy; also : having close stiff or wiry curls or waves

2

a : easily crumbled : brittle <a crisp cracker>

b : desirably firm and crunchy <crisp lettuce>

3

a : notably sharp, clean-cut, and clear <a crisp illustration>; also : concise and to the point <a crisp reply>

b : noticeably neat <crisp new clothes>

c : brisk, lively <a crisp tale of intrigue> <crisp musical tempi>

d : briskly cold <crisp winter weather>; also : fresh, invigorating <crisp autumn air> <a crisp white wine>

e : deftly and powerfully executed <a crisp tennis serve>

— crisp·ly adverb

— crisp·ness noun

Examples of CRISP

1. I put on a crisp shirt and tie.
2. The stereo's sound is crisp and clear.

Origin of CRISP

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin crispus; akin to Welsh crych curly

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CRISP

Synonyms

brickle [dialect], brittle, crispy, crumbly, embrittled, flaky (also flakey), friable, short

Antonyms

disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy

Related Words

crackly, crisped, crispened, crunchy, crusty; breakable, delicate, fragile

Near Antonyms

elastic, flexible, pliable, pliant, resilient; strong, sturdy, tough

See Synonym Discussion at fragile

Rhymes with CRISP

lisp, LISP, wisp

²crisp

verb

Definition of CRISP

transitive verb

1

: curl, crimp

2

: to cause to ripple : wrinkle

3

: to make or keep crisp

intransitive verb

1

: curl

2

: ripple

3

: to become crisp

Examples of CRISP

1. Crisp the celery in ice water.

First Known Use of CRISP

14th century

³crisp

noun

Definition of CRISP

1

a : something crisp or brittle <burned to a crisp> <rye crisps>

b chiefly British : potato chip —usually used in plural

2

: a baked dessert of fruit with crumb topping <apple crisp>

First Known Use of CRISP

14th century

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel