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Definition of rancidness

rancidness

/ˈræn.sɪd.nəs/
ran · cid · ness
Adverb:rancidly
•
Adjective:rancid
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rancidness Lexical Profile

rancidness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of having an unpleasant, stale smell or taste, typically as a result of chemical decomposition in fats and oils.

Example

"Storing the walnuts in a cool, dark pantry helped prevent the rancidness that often ruins old nuts."

2

A quality of extreme offensiveness, moral corruption, or bitter unpleasantness.

Example

"Critics noted a certain rancidness in the political discourse as the election season dragged on."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

rancho
rancid
rancidly
rancidness
rancor
rancorous
rancorousness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective "rancid" (from Latin "rancidus", meaning stinking or offensive, from "rancere", to stink) combined with the Old English suffix "-ness".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rancidness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rancidness
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