sour

¹sour

adj \ˈsau̇(-ə)r\

Definition of SOUR

1

: causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids <sour pickles> — compare bitter, salt, sweet

2

a (1) : having the acid taste or smell of or as if of fermentation : turned <sour milk> (2) : of or relating to fermentation b : smelling or tasting of decay : rancid, rotten <sour breath> c (1) : bad, wrong <a project gone sour> (2) : hostile, disenchanted <went sour on Marxism>

3

a : unpleasant, distasteful b : cross, sullen c : not up to the usual, expected, or standard quality or pitch

4

: acid in reaction —used especially of soil

5

: containing malodorous sulfur compounds —used especially of petroleum products

— sour·ish \ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ish\ adjective

— sour·ly adverb

— sour·ness noun

Examples of SOUR

1. The milk had turned sour.
2. He made a sour face.

Origin of SOUR

Middle English, from Old English sūr; akin to Old High German sūr sour, Lithuanian sūrus salty

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SOUR

Synonyms: acid, acidic, acidulous, sourish, tart, tartish, vinegary

Antonyms: agreeable, congenial, good, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, welcome

Related Words: dry, soured, unsweetened; pungent, sharp, tangy, zestful, zesty, zingy; astringent, puckery hyperacid

Near Antonyms: sweet; bland, smooth; flat, flavorless, insipid, savorless, tasteless, zestless; dilute, thin, watery, weak

see all synonyms and antonyms

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