/'brɪtl; `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. 我们长期处于紧张状态, 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.

adj
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old English;Origin: gebryttan 'to break into pieces']
hard but easily broken
　The branches were dry and brittle.
　Joanna was diagnosed as having brittle bones.
a situation, relationship, or feeling that is brittle is easily damaged or destroyed
　He spoke with the brittle confidence of someone who, underneath, was very worried.
showing no warm feelings
　a brittle laugh