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Definition of pungent - 3 dictionary results

pun⋅gent

  [puhn-juhnt]
Use pungent in a Sentence
–adjective
1. sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid.
2. acutely distressing to the feelings or mind; poignant.
3. caustic, biting, or sharply expressive: pungent remarks.
4. mentally stimulating or appealing: pungent wit.
5. Biology. piercing or sharp-pointed.
Origin:
1590–1600; < L pungent- (s. of pungēns), prp. of pungere to prick. See poignant, point, -ent

Related forms:
pun⋅gen⋅cy, noun
pun⋅gent⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. hot, peppery, piquant, sharp. 3. sarcastic, mordant, cutting; acrimonious, bitter. 4. keen, sharp.

Antonyms:
1. mild, bland. 3. soothing. 4. dull.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pungent
pun·gent   (pŭn'jənt)   
adj.  

  1. Affecting the organs of taste or smell with a sharp acrid sensation.

    1. Penetrating, biting, or caustic: pungent satire.

    2. To the point; sharp: pungent talks during which the major issues were confronted.

  3. Pointed: a pungent leaf.


[Latin pungēns, pungent-, present participle of pungere, to sting; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
pun'gen·cy n., pun'gent·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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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: pun·gent
Pronunciation: -j&nt
Function: adjective
: causing a sharp or irritating sensation; especially : ACRID —pun·gent·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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