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
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
— poi·gnant·ly adverb
