Webster's English Dictionary

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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