a. [ L. pungens, -entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick. Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point, n., Puncheon, Punctilio, Punt, v. t. ] 1. Causing a sharp sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting; acrid; as, a pungent spice. [ 1913 Webster ] Pungent radish biting infant's tongue. Shenstone. [ 1913 Webster ] The pungent grains of titillating dust. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant; severe; caustic; stinging. [ 1913 Webster ] With pungent pains on every side. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] His pungent pen played its part in rousing the nation. J. R. Green. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Bot.) Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen; acrimonious; biting; stinging. [ 1913 Webster ] |