pungent
pun.gent \-j*nt\ aj [L pungent-, pungens, prp. of pungere to prick, sting;
akin t]o L pugnus fist, pugnare to fight, Gk pygme- fist 1: having a stiff
and sharp point {~ leaves} 2: sharply painful : POIGNANT 3a: CAUSTIC,
STINGING 3b: POINTED, TELLING 4: causing a sharp or irritating sensation;
esp : ACRID and stimulating to the senses. PUNGENT implies a stinging or
biting quality esp. of odors; PIQUANT suggests a power to whet the appetite
or interest through tartness or mild pungency; POIGNANT suggests a power to
enter deeply as if by piercing or stabbing; RACY implies having a strongly
characteristic natural quality fresh and unimpaired - pun.gent.ly av SYN
syn PUNGENT, PIQUANT, POIGNANT, RACY mean sharp