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A, as a prefix to English words, is derived from various sources. (1) It frequently signifies on or in (from an, a forms of AS. on), denoting a state, as in afoot, on foot, abed, amiss, asleep, aground, aloft, away (AS. onweg), and analogically, ablaze, atremble, etc. (2) AS. of off, from, as in adown (AS. ofdüne off t…

onal, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty, talent. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren. Acts xi. 29. Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by st…

Having sufficient power, strength, force, skill, means, or resources of any kind to accomplish the object; possessed of qualifications rendering competent for some end; competent; qualified; capable; as, an able workman, soldier, seaman, a man able to work; a mind able to reason; a person able to be generous; able to e…

Sour, bitter, and harsh to the taste, as unripe fruit; sharp and harsh.

To sour; to imbitter; to irritate.

Sour or severe.

Sourness and harshness. [Obs.] Bailey.

Sourness of taste, with bitterness and astringency, like that of unripe fruit.

The quality of being acescent; the process of acetous fermentation; a moderate degree of sourness. Johnson.

Turning sour; readily becoming tart or acid; slightly sour. Faraday.

r derived from, acetyl, as acetic ether, acetic acid. The latter is the acid to which the sour taste of vinegar is due.

The act of making acetous or sour; the process of converting, or of becoming converted, into vinegar.

Sour like vinegar; acetous.

The quality of being acetous; sourness.

Having a sour taste; sour; acid. "An acetous spirit." Boyle. "A liquid of an acetous kind." Bp. Lowth.

Sour, sharp, or biting to the taste; tart; having the taste of vinegar: as, acid fruits or liquors. Also fig.: Sour-tempered. He was stern and his face as acid as ever. A. Trollope.

To sour; to imbitter. His thin existence all acidified into rage. Carlyle.

The quality of being sour; sourness; tartness; sharpness to the taste; as, the acidity of lemon juice.

Sourly; tartly.

Acidity; sourness.