bite
19
5.3
- noun
- /baɪt/
- There was no wind, but the October evening had an unmistakable bite in the air.
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Watch on YouTubeYeah, I was digging a little bite with that bite was a nice little slow Zing of heat.
- Yeah, I was digging a little bite with that bite was a nice little slow Zing of heat.
- But each successive bite has less impact and it returns to to neutral very quickly.
Examples
-
The sky was dazzling, and the air bore the crisp bite of the approaching winter.
Fiction book (1995) -
Nick zipped up his jacket, trying to fend off the bite of November cold.
Fiction book (2002) -
It's got a real bite to it.
-
There was a fresh bite in the air, good sleeping weather.
Fiction book (1994) -
I warn you, it's got quite a bite.
-
The air had a late-fall bite to it, a hint of the winter just around the corner.
Fiction book (1995) -
Rachel felt the bite of old envy, newly sharpened by her husband's recent coolness toward her.
Fiction book (1998) -
The arugula has a strong, peppery bite that enhances the flavor of the salad.
-
Her witty remarks often have a sharp bite that catches people off guard.
-
I love the spicy salsa; it has a real bite that makes it exciting to eat.
Synonyms
7
6.3
A small sharp taste or feeling, for example from cold
1
7.0
A strong sharp taste or smell that makes your eyes water
1
2.9
A strong, biting taste or smell that stings the nose
1
8.2
A strong, sharp taste or smell that is easy to notice
1
8.7
A strong, sharp taste or smell that can be unpleasant for some people
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
1
6.1
Stop yourself from saying something you want to say because it would be rude
- Informal
1
7.5
To finish a very large task by doing small easy steps
- Informal
Pressing your lips together to keep from laughing or saying something
Compounds
- Literature
62
4.0
A short part of a recorded statement on radio or television, often by a politician
- Specialized
1
6.3
A small removable piece of plastic that fits on the roof of the mouth to help the teeth or jaw
How Sharp
Surface Forms
Etymology
Bite for a sharp taste or smell comes from the idea of being 'bitten'—from old English bītan—meaning 'to cut or sting with the teeth'. That's why we say chili or horseradish has a 'bite' when it 'stings' your mouth or nose.