Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pungent
Pun′gent
,Adj.
1.
Causing a sharp sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting; acrid;
as, a
. pungent
spicePungent
radish biting infant’s tongue. Shenstone.
The
pungent
grains of titillating dust. Pope.
2.
Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant; severe; caustic; stinging.
With
pungent
pains on every side. Swift.
His
pungent
pen played its part in rousing the nation. J. R. Green.
3.
(Bot.)
Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.
Syn. – Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen; acrimonious; biting; stinging.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pungent
PUN'GENT
,Adj.
The pungent grains of titillating dust.
1.
Acrid; affecting the tongue like small sharp points; as the sharp and pungent taste of acids.2.
Piercing; sharp; as pungent pains; pungent grief.3.
Acrimonious; biting.Definition 2024
pungent
pungent
English
Adjective
pungent (comparative more pungent, superlative most pungent)
- Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.
- I accidentally dropped the bottle of ammonia and after few seconds, a very pungent stench could be detected.
- 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse Books
- I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent.
- Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
- (figuratively) Stinging; acerbic.
- The critic gave a pungent review.
- (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.
Derived terms
Translations
having a strong odour
having a sharp and stiff point