pungent

Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”).

• enPR: pŭnjənt, IPA^(key): /ˈpʌndʒənt/

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pungent (comparative more pungent, superlative most pungent)

1. 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.

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. (figuratively) Stinging; acerbic.

   The critic gave a pungent review.

4. (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.

• pungence
• pungently

pungent

1. third-person plural future active indicative of pungō