pungent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite strong and sharp
    acrid.
    • the pungent taste of radishes
    • the acrid smell of burning rubber
  2. adjective satellite capable of wounding
    biting; barbed; nipping; mordacious.
    • a barbed compliment
    • a biting aphorism
    • pungent satire

WordNet

Pun"gent adjective
Etymology
L. pungens, -entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick. Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point, n.
Definitions
  1. Causing a sharp sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting; acrid; as, a pungent spice.
    Pungent 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 1913