Word of the Day: Sour

so-ur / ˈsou(ə)r

adjective

1. having a bitter or acidic taste

Pomegranate molasses is ubiquitous in Arabic cooking: it’s sweet, sour and adds depth.

Yotam Ottolonghi, 1968-

 

2. having the smell or taste of something fermented

No one says his own buttermilk is sour.

Afghan Proverb

 

3. unpleasant; cross

The most bitter, sour person can light up with joy when he sees his dog.

Bruce Cameron, 1960-

 

4. wrong

Whenever things go a bit sour in a job I’m doing, I always tell myself, ‘You can do better than this.’

Dr. Seuss, 1904-1991

 

5. of petroleum products, containing bad smelling sulfur compounds

Sour gas is one of the most dangerous, toxic substances known to man.

Andrew Nikiforuk, 1955-

 

5. of soil, having an acidic reaction

Acidic soils are commonly referred to as being “sour.”

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-acidic-soil-p2-2130997

 

7. of a musical note, to sound bad or flat

I suppose any note, no matter how sour, sounds like a song if you hold onto it long enough.

DeWitt Bodeen, 1908-1988

 

noun

1. any type of cocktail containing a mix of citrus juices to produce a more bitter flavor

I remain faithful to bourbon sour.

Christian Louboutin, 1963-

 

verb

1. to ferment or spoil

If the unpasteurized milk in your refrigerator has soured, you may be able to separate the curds and whey, which have many health benefits.

 

2. to cause to go wrong or become disagreeable

I must not permit the evil capabilities of human nature to sour my faith in the tremendous good that is possible despite the frailty of that nature.

Mother Angelica, 1923-2016

 

2. to create a bitterness

If you add citrus juice to a drink, it will sour the flavor.