Caustic

1. adjective

   of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action

   Similar: corrosive, erosive, vitriolic, mordant

2. noun

   any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue

3. adjective

   harsh or corrosive in tone

   “an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose”

   Similar: acerb, acerbic, acid, acrid, bitter, blistering