adjective

1. 1. sharp or pungent to the smell or, formerly, the taste
   2. keenly affecting the other senses poignant beauty
2. 1. sharply painful to the feelings; piercing
   2. evoking pity, compassion, etc.; emotionally touching or moving
3. sharp, biting, penetrating, pointed, etc. poignant wit

Etymology: ME poynant < MFr poignant, prp. of poindre < L pungere, to prick: see point