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Definition of poignancy - 2 dictionary results

poign⋅an⋅cy

[poin-yuhn-see, poin-uhn-]
–noun, plural -cies for 2.
1. the state or condition of being poignant.
2. a poignant moment, event, situation, or the like.

Origin:
1680–90; poign(ant) + -ancy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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poign·ant   (poin'yənt)   
adj.  
    1. Profoundly moving; touching: a poignant memory. See Synonyms at moving.

    2. Physically painful: "Keen, poignant agonies seemed to shoot from his neck downward" (Ambrose Bierce).

    3. Keenly distressing to the mind or feelings: poignant anxiety.

    4. Neat, skillful, and to the point: poignant illustrations supplementing the text.

    5. Astute and pertinent; relevant: poignant suggestions.

    6. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.

    7. Sharp or pungent to the smell.

  1. Piercing; incisive: poignant criticism.

    1. Neat, skillful, and to the point: poignant illustrations supplementing the text.

    2. Astute and pertinent; relevant: poignant suggestions.

    3. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.

    4. Sharp or pungent to the smell.

  2. Agreeably intense or stimulating: poignant delight.

  3. Archaic

    1. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.

    2. Sharp or pungent to the smell.


[Middle English poinaunt, from Old French poignant, present participle of poindre, to prick, from Latin pungere; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
poign'ance, poign'an·cy n., poign'ant·ly adv.
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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