caustic
adjectiveUK /ˈkɔː.stɪk/
US /ˈkɑː.stɪk/
A caustic thing can burn or eat away other things, like strong chemicals.
The scientist wore gloves because the caustic liquid could hurt her skin.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Saying something in a very mean and hurtful way.
His caustic remark made everyone at the table go quiet.
3. A substance that can burn or destroy things it touches.
Lye is a caustic used in making soap.
4. Very critical and sarcastic in tone.
The reviewer's caustic comments stung the young writer.