A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V

Asperity

n.

(Plural: asperities)

  1. Roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, or climate.
  2. Severity; rigor.
  3. A slight projection from a surface; a point or bump.
  4. Harshness of manner; ill temper or irritability.

[Nicholson Baker — The Mezzanine]