poignant

(poinˈyənt)

1. a. Profoundly moving; touching: a poignant memory. See Synonyms at moving.
   b. Physically painful: “Keen, poignant agonies seemed to shoot from his neck downward” (Ambrose Bierce).
   c. Keenly distressing to the mind or feelings: poignant anxiety.
2. Piercing; incisive: poignant criticism.
3. a. Neat, skillful, and to the point: poignant illustrations supplementing the text.
   b. Astute and pertinent; relevant: poignant suggestions.
4. Agreeably intense or stimulating: poignant delight.
5. Archaic
   a. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.
   b. Sharp or pungent to the smell.

Related Forms:

• poignˈance, poignˈan·cy noun

• poignˈant·ly adverb