Main Entry:

poi·gnant

Pronunciation:

\ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere — more at pungent

Date:

14th century

1: pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>2 a (1): painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2): deeply affecting : touching b: designed to make an impression : cutting <poignant satire>3 a: pleasurably stimulating b: being to the point : apt

synonyms see pungent, moving

— poi·gnant·ly adverb