pungent

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”). Doublet of poignant.

adj

1. Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.
   I accidentally dropped the bottle of ammonia and after few seconds, a very pungent stench could be detected.
   I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent. 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse Books
2. Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
3. (figurative) Stinging; acerbic.
   The critic gave a pungent review.
4. (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.