bittersweet

== English == === Alternative forms === bitter-sweet === Etymology === From Middle English bitterswete, biterswete, equivalent to bitter +‎ sweet. Cognate with Saterland Frisian bitterswäit (“bittersweet”), West Frisian bittersoet (“bittersweet”), Dutch bitterzoet (“bittersweet”), German bittersüß (“bittersweet”), Danish bittersød (“bittersweet”), Swedish bittersöt (“bittersweet”). === Pronunciation === (US) IPA(key): /ˈbɪtɚˌswit/, [ˈbɪɾɚˌswiʔt̚], /ˌbɪtɚˈswit/ Rhymes: -iːt === Adjective === bittersweet (comparative more bittersweet, superlative most bittersweet) Both bitter and sweet. bittersweet chocolate (figurative) Expressing contrasting emotions of pain and pleasure. Of bittersweet color (see the noun section, below). ==== Derived terms ==== bittersweetly bittersweetness ==== Translations ==== === Noun === bittersweet (countable and uncountable, plural bittersweets) Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). Bittersweetness. (US) A vine, of the genus Celastrus, having small orange fruit that open to reveal red seeds. A variety of apple with a bittersweet taste. Any variety of clam in the family Glycymerididae A pinkish-orange color. Any color in between scarlet and orange. ==== Derived terms ==== American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === bittersweet on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Solanum dulcamara on Wikispecies.Wikispecies Celastrus on Wikispecies.Wikispecies