PUNGENT

pungent. Pungent, a. pricking, sharp, tart, keen, severe

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Pun″gent (?), a. [[L. pungens, -entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick. Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point, n., Puncheon, Punctilio, Punt, v. t.]] 1. 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. 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. 3. (Bot.) Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.
Syn. — Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen; acrimonious; biting; stinging.