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incisive

 - 4 dictionary results

in⋅ci⋅sive

  [in-sahy-siv]
Use incisive in a Sentence
–adjective
1. penetrating; cutting; biting; trenchant: an incisive tone of voice.
2. remarkably clear and direct; sharp; keen; acute: an incisive method of summarizing the issue.
3. adapted for cutting or piercing.
4. of or pertaining to the incisors: the incisive teeth.
Origin:
1520–30; < ML incīsīvus. See incise, -ive

Related forms:
in⋅ci⋅sive⋅ly, adverb
in⋅ci⋅sive⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. acid, mordant; sarcastic, sardonic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To incisive
in·ci·sive   (ĭn-sī'sĭv)   
adj.  Penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression: an incisive mind; incisive comments.
in·ci'sive·ly adv., in·ci'sive·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives refer to keenness and forcefulness of thought, expression, or intellect. Incisive and trenchant suggest penetration to the heart of a subject and clear, sharp, and vigorous expression: an incisive report; trenchant wit.
Biting and cutting often have a sarcastic or sardonic quality capable of wounding or stinging: "Biting remarks revealed her attitude of contempt" (D.H. Lawrence). "He can say the driest, most cutting things in the quietest of tones" (Charlotte Brontë).
Crisp suggests clarity, conciseness, and briskness: a crisp retort.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: in·ci·sive
Pronunciation: in-'sI-siv
Function: adjective
: INCISAL; also : of, relating to, or situated near the incisors
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

incisive in·ci·sive (ĭn-sī'sĭv)
adj.

  1. Having the power to cut.

  2. Relating to the incisor teeth.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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