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poignant
poignant definition
poign·ant (po̵in′yənt; Brit, also po̵in′ənt)
adjective
- sharp or pungent to the smell or, formerly, the taste
- keenly affecting the other senses poignant beauty
- sharply painful to the feelings; piercing
- evoking pity, compassion, etc.; emotionally touching or moving
- sharp, biting, penetrating, pointed, etc. poignant wit
Etymology: ME poynant < MFr poignant, prp. of poindre < L pungere, to prick: see point
Related Forms:
- poignancy poign′·ancy noun
- poignantly poign′·antly adverb
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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