aa turn of the cable which is round the bitts.-having a peculiar, acrid, biting taste, like that of wormwood or an infusion of hops; as, a bitter medicine; bitter as aloes.-causing pain or smart; piercing; painful; sharp; severe; as, a bitter cold day.-causing, or fitted to cause, pain or distress to the mind; calamitous; poignant.-characterized by sharpness, severity, or cruelty; harsh; stern; virulent; as, bitter reproach.-mournful; sad; distressing; painful; pitiable.-any substance that is bitter. see bitters.-to make bitter.