English Dictionary
Definition of “pungent”
pungent (ˈpʌndʒənt
)
Definitions
adjective
- having an acrid smell or sharp bitter flavour
- (of wit, satire, etc) biting; caustic
- biology ending in a sharp point ⇒
a pungent leaf
Alternative Forms
ˈpungency noun ˈpungently adverb Word Origin
C16: from Latin pungens piercing, from pungere to prick
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
strong,
hot,
spicy,
seasoned,
sharp,
acid,
bitter,
stinging,
sour,
tart,
aromatic,
tangy,
acrid,
peppery,
piquant,
industrial-strength,
highly flavoured,
acerb =
cutting,
pointed,
biting,
acute,
telling,
sharp,
keen,
stinging,
piercing,
penetrating,
poignant,
stringent,
scathing,
acrimonious,
barbed,
incisive,
sarcastic,
caustic,
vitriolic,
trenchant,
mordant,
mordacious,
Usage examples
Cool spots were cooler and the scent of the freshly cut hedges was pungent.
Andrews, Virginia, Web of Dreams (1990)Now the beverages could taste boozier than they really are, thanks to the pungent findings of a Swiss researcher.
New Scientist (1998)Most of all, Nana loved the pungent scent of spruce and gazing at the brilliance of an illuminated Christmas tree.
Globe and Mail (2003)Proulx's writing runs at a furious pace, often violent and pungent.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Owes its pungent odour to the sulphur-containing compounds in its essential oil.
Mayes, Adrienne, The Dictionary of Nutritional Health (1986)
