Pun"gent (?), a. [L. pungens,
-entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick.
Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point,
n., Puncheon, Punctilio, Punt,
v. t.] 1. Causing a sharp
sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting;
acrid; as, a pungent spice.
Pungent radish biting infant's
tongue.
Shenstone.
The pungent grains of titillating
dust.
Pope.
2. Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant;
severe; caustic; stinging.
With pungent pains on every side.
Swift.
His pungent pen played its part in rousing the
nation.
J. R. Green.
3. (Bot.) Prickly-pointed; hard and
sharp.
Syn. -- Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen;
acrimonious; biting; stinging.