Both Uses of
pungent
in
Nature, by Emerson
- However this may discredit such persons with the judicious, it helps them with the people, as it gives heat, pungency, and publicity to their words.†
*
- Hence the virtue and pungency of the influence on the mind, of natural objects, whether inorganic or organized.†
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.