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.

The pungent grains of titillating dust.

2. Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant; severe; caustic; stinging.

With pungent pains on every side.

His pungent pen played its part in rousing the nation.

3. (Bot.) Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.

Syn. -- Acrid; piercing; sharp; penetrating; acute; keen; acrimonious; biting; stinging.

• Having a strong odor/odour that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.
       The lasagna included plenty of pungent garlic.