sharp

Sharp means having a point or edge that is good for cutting or a sudden change.

(adjective)

  1. An example of something sharp is a knife.
  2. An example of sharp used as an adjective is the phrase a sharp turn which means a turn that suddenly changes direction.

Sharp is defined as exactly.

(adverb)

An example of sharp used as an adverb is to arrive somewhere at a certain time, like two o'clock sharp.

The definition of a sharp is something with a pointed end.

(noun)

An example of a sharp is a needle.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See sharp in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. suitable for use in cutting or piercing; having a very thin edge or fine point; keen
  2. having a point or edge; not rounded or blunt; peaked: a sharp ridge, features, etc.
  3. not gradual; abrupt; acute: a sharp turn
  4. clearly defined; distinct; clear: a sharp contrast
  5. made up of hard, angular particles, as sand
  6. quick, acute, or penetrating in perception or intellect; specif.,
    1. acutely sensitive in seeing, hearing, etc.
    2. clever; shrewd
  7. showing or having a keen awareness; attentive; vigilant: a sharp lookout
  8. crafty; designing; underhanded
  9. harsh, biting, or severe: a sharp temper, criticism, etc.
  10. violent or impetuous; sudden and forceful: a sharp attack
  11. brisk; active; vigorous: a sharp run
  12. having a keen effect on the senses or feelings; specif.,
    1. severe; intense; acute; keen: a sharp pain, grief, appetite, etc.
    2. strong; biting; pungent, as in taste or smell
    3. high-pitched; shrill: a sharp sound
    4. brilliant; intense: a sharp flash of light
    5. cold and cutting: a sharp wind
  13. Slang attractively or stylishly dressed or groomed
  14. Music
    1. higher in pitch by a half step: C sharp (C)
    2. out of tune by being above the true or proper pitch

Origin: ME < OE scearp, akin to Ger scharf, ON skarpr < IE *(s)kerb(h)- < base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear, harvest, L caro, flesh

adverb

  1. in a sharp manner; specif.,
    1. abruptly or briskly
    2. attentively or alertly
    3. so as to have a sharp point or edge
    4. keenly; piercingly
    5. Music above the true or proper pitch
  2. precisely; exactly: one o'clock sharp

noun

  1. a sewing needle with an extremely fine point
  2. Informal an expert or adept
  3. Informal shark, sharper
  4. Music
    1. a note or tone one half step above another
    2. the sign () indicating such a note

transitive verb

Music to make sharp; raise a half step

intransitive verb

Music to sing or play above the true or proper pitch

Related Forms:

See sharp in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective sharp·er, sharp·est
  1. Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for or capable of cutting or piercing.
  2. a. Having clear form and detail: a sharp photographic image.
    b. Terminating in an edge or a point: sharp angular cliffs; a sharp nose.
    c. Clearly and distinctly set forth: sharp contrasts in behavior.
  3. Abrupt or acute: a sharp drop; a sharp turn.
  4. a. Intellectually penetrating; astute.
    b. Marked by keenness and accuracy of perception: sharp hearing.
  5. Crafty or deceitful, as in business dealings: sharp selling practices.
  6. Vigilant; alert: kept a sharp lookout for shoplifters.
  7. a. Briskly or keenly cold and cutting: a sharp wind.
    b. Harsh or biting in tone or character: sharp criticism.
  8. Fierce or impetuous; violent: a sharp temper; a sharp assault.
  9. Intense; severe: a sharp pain.
  10. a. Sudden and shrill: a sharp whistle.
    b. Sudden and brilliant or dazzling: a sharp flash of lightning.
  11. Strongly affecting the senses of smell and taste: a sharp pungent odor; a sharp cheese.
  12. Composed of hard angular particles: sharp sand.
  13. Music
    a. Raised in pitch by a semitone.
    b. Being above the proper pitch.
    c. Having the key signature in sharps.
  14. Informal Attractive or stylish: a sharp jacket. See Synonyms at fashionable.
adverb
  1. In a sharp manner: hit me sharp on the brow.
  2. Punctually; exactly: at three o'clock sharp.
  3. Music Above the true or proper pitch.
noun
  1. Music
    a. A sign (♯) used to indicate that a note is to be raised by a half step.
    b. A note that is raised a half step.
  2. A slender sewing needle with a very fine point.
  3. Informal
    a. An expert.
    b. A shrewd cheater; a sharper.
verb sharped, sharp·ing, sharps
Music
verb, transitive
To raise in pitch by a semitone.
verb, intransitive
To play or sing above the proper pitch.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English scharp

Origin: , from Old English scearp; see sker-1 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • sharpˈly adverb
  • sharpˈness noun

American biochemist who shared a 1993 Nobel prize for discovering that some genes contain sequences, known as introns, that do not function as codes for the formation of a protein.

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