Pungent

Pronunciation

• enPR: pÅ­njÉ™nt, IPA: /ˈpÊŒndÊ’É™nt/

Origin

From Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo ("to sting").

Full definition of pungent

Adjective

1. Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.The lasagne included plenty of pungent garlic.
• 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse BooksI can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent.
2. Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
3. Having a sharp and stiff point.The critic gave a pungent review.

Derived terms

• pungence
• pungently