Definition of austere

acrimonious Definition: (adjective) biting, harsh, caustic. Petersons.com

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< austenite

austerity >

aus·tere    (ô-stîr) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:
aus·ter·er , aus·ter·est

1. Severe or stern in disposition or appearance; somber and grave: the austere figure of a Puritan minister.
2. Strict or severe in discipline; ascetic: a desert nomad's austere life.
3. Having no adornment or ornamentation; bare: an austere style. See Synonyms at severe.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin austrus, from Greek austros

OTHER FORMS:
aus·terely (Adverb), aus·tereness (Noun)

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