Crossword Genius

Parched needing to swallow cold bitter (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acrid

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'bitter' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for acrid that I've seen before include "Strong and sharp" , "Having a bitter smell or taste" , "Sour, pungent" , "Unpleasantly strong-smelling" , "Having a bitter taste or small, like smoke" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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