pungent
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”).
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
pungent (comparative more pungent, superlative most pungent)
- Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.
- I accidentally dropped the bottle of ammonia and after few seconds, a very pungent stench could be detected.
- 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse Books
- I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent.
- Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
- (figuratively) Stinging; acerbic.
- The critic gave a pungent review.
- (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
having a strong odour
having a sharp and stiff point
Latin[edit]
Verb[edit]
pungent