pungent
adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L268139 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpʌnd͡ʒənt/
adj
Etymology: Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”). Doublet of poignant.
- 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.”
“Pilton Yard, the Lynton & Barnstaple headquarters, has been taken over by a fur trading firm, and would-be trespassers to the old engine-shed are turned back by the pungent odour of heaps of carcases.”
- Having a strong taste that stings the tongue; said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
- Stinging; acerbic.
“The critic gave a pungent review.”
- Having a sharp and stiff point.