Both Uses of
pungent
in
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- But already, the horseradish lady was sitting in front of Hassler's grinding away at her pungent roots.†
Chpt 6 *
- There was nothing—nothing but pungent darkness and something that grew and grew as it rushed at her.†
Chpt 27
Definition:
strong smelling or tasting
or much more rarely: anything sharp, painful, or penetrating -- physically or emotionally
or much more rarely: anything sharp, painful, or penetrating -- physically or emotionally
In reference to taste or smell, pungent is more often associated with a strong flavor than a particular flavor. Some associate it with a high level of volatile acidity. Some wine connoisseurs interchange the word pungent with earthy.