Main Entry:

¹crisp

Pronunciation:

\ˈkrisp\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

1: curly, wavy ; also : having close stiff or wiry curls or waves2 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>

synonyms see fragile

— crisp·ly adverb

— crisp·ness noun