ASPERITY

asperity. Asperity, n. roughness of objects, or of temper

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As‐per″i‐ty (�), n.; pl. Asperities (�). [[L. asperitas, fr. asper rough: cf. F. aspérité.]] 1. 1. Roughness of surface; unevenness; — opposed to smoothness. “The asperities of dry bodies.” Boyle.
2. 2. Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity.
3. 3. Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.
4. 4. 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. 5. Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty.
The acclivities and asperities of duty. Barrow. Syn. — Acrimony; moroseness; crabbedness; harshness; sourness; tartness. See Acrimony.