rancid

English

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin rancidus (stinking, rank, rancid, offensive).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɹænsɪd/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Adjective

rancid (comparative more rancid, superlative most rancid)

  1. Rank in taste or smell.
    The house was deserted, with a rancid half-eaten meal still on the dinner table.
  2. Offensive.
    Her remarks were rancid; everyone got up and left.

Usage notes

  • Nouns to which "rancid" often gets applied: food, butter, meat, milk, fat, oil, smell, odor, taste.

Translations

Further reading

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