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PUNGENT definition: 1. smelling or tasting very strong and sharp: 2. spoken or written in a way that has a strong…. Learn more.
1. : sharply painful. 2. : having a stiff and sharp point. pungent leaves. 3. a. : marked by a sharp incisive quality : caustic. a pungent critic. pungent language. b. : being sharp and to the point. 4. a. : causing a sharp or irritating sensation. especially : acrid. b. : having an intense flavor or odor.
Use pungent to describe a taste or smell that gives a sharp sensation. "What is that pungent odor?" is a polite way of suggesting that someone in the room has BO. The ultimate source of the word pungent is Latin pungere, "to prick, sting." Ginger and mustard seed are examples of pungent spices.
If you describe what someone has said or written as pungent, you approve of it because it has a direct and powerful effect and often criticizes something very cleverly. [formal, approval] He enjoyed the play's shrewd and pungent social analysis. Synonyms: cutting, pointed, biting, acute More Synonyms of pungent.
PUNGENT meaning: 1. smelling or tasting very strong and sharp: 2. spoken or written in a way that has a strong…. Learn more.
sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid. Synonyms: sharp, piquant, peppery, hot. Antonyms: bland, mild. acutely distressing to the feelings or mind; poignant. caustic, biting, or sharply expressive: pungent remarks.
adj. 1. sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid. 2. caustic or sharply expressive: pungent remarks.
