Entry Word: keen

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 able to sense slight impressions or differences <pilots with especially keen eyesight> — see ²acute 1
2 causing intense discomfort to oneʼs skin <the keen wind gave me chapped lips> — see cutting 1
3 having an edge thin enough to cut or pierce something <lanced open the boil with a keen scalpel> — see sharp 1
4 having or showing quickness of mind <a keen student used to getting nothing but straight A's> — see intelligent 1
5 of the very best kind <that new skateboard is keen> — see excellent
6 showing urgent desire or interest <a keen hunger for fame and fortune> — see eager