poignant Hear it!

poignant definition

poign·ant (po̵in′yənt; Brit, also po̵in′ənt)

adjective

    1. sharp or pungent to the smell or, formerly, the taste
    2. keenly affecting the other senses poignant beauty
    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

Related Forms:

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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