brittle
/ˈbrɪtl; `brɪtl/ adj
1
(a) hard but easily broken; fragile 硬而易碎的; 脆弱的
as brittle as thin glass 如薄玻璃一样容易破碎.
(b) (fig 比喻) easily damaged; insecure 容易损坏的; 不安全的
He has a brittle temper, ie loses his temper easily. 他脾气急.
Constant stress has made our nerves brittle. 我们长期处於紧张状态, 神经已吃不消了.
2 (of a sound) unpleasantly hard and sharp （指声音）尖利的
a brittle laugh 尖利的笑声
The orchestra was brittle in tone. 管弦乐队演奏的曲调尖利刺耳.
3 (of a person) lacking in warmth; hard （指人）冷 淡的, 难相处的
a cold, brittle woman 冷漠、不好接近的女人.