Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PUN'GENT, a. [L. pungens, pungo.]

1. Pricking; stimulating; as, pungent snuff. The pungent grains of titillating dust. – Pope.
2. Acrid; affecting the tongue like small sharp points; as, the sharp and pungent taste of acids. – Newton.
3. Piercing; sharp; as, pungent pains; pungent grief. – Swift.
4. Acrimonious; biting. – Fell.