ASPERITY

n.

5 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

Roughness of surface; unevenness; -- opposed to smoothness. "The asperities of dry bodies." Boyle.

2.
n.

Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity.

3.
n.

Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.

4.
n.

Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity; crabbedness; harshness; -- opposed to mildness. "Asperity of character." Landor. It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received. Johnson.

5.
n.

Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty. The acclivities and asperities of duty. Barrow.