 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Pungent
Pronunciation : Pun"gent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. pungens, -entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick. Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point, n., Puncheon, Punctilio, Punt, v. t.]
Definition : 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.)
Defn: Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.
Syn. -- Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen; acrimonious; biting; stinging.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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