Causticness

/ˈkɔːstɪknəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being caustic; an alternative formation meaning causticity or the degree of corrosiveness or harshness.

Etymology

From caustic plus the suffix -ness, which forms abstract nouns. An alternative to 'causticity' using the more productive Germanic -ness suffix rather than Latin -ity.

Kelly Says

English has multiple ways to express similar ideas—'causticity,' 'causticness,' and 'causticness' all exist, showing how the language gives speakers choices. Different words sometimes 'win' in different fields, and we never quite know why.

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