Acris
/AK-ris/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
A taste and scent epithet indicating the plant has a sharp, biting, acrid, or pungent quality — a burning or stinging sensation on the tongue or a harsh, penetrating smell. It is stronger and more unpleasant in connotation than amarus (bitter). Appears as acris (both genders).
Etymology
From Latin acer/acris, meaning "sharp," "pointed," "pungent," or "biting," from acere (to be sharp or sour).
Example
“Ranunculus acris (meadow buttercup) contains the acrid compound protoanemonin that blisters skin and burns the mouth, making this epithet a useful warning to anyone handling the plant.”