Entry Word: biting

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 causing intense discomfort to oneʼs skin <a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure> — see cutting 1
2 causing intense mental or physical distress <a biting criticism that left the student in tears> — see sharp 2
3 marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings <the biting comments by the popular girls about the new kid in class> — see sarcastic