[sharp] adj [ME, fr. OE scearp; akin to OHG scarf sharp and perh. to OE scrapian to scrape--more at scrape] (bef. 12c) 1: adapted to cutting or piercing: as a: having a thin keen edge or fine point b: briskly or bitingly cold: nipping "a ~ wind"
2. a: keen in intellect: quick-witted b: keen in perception: acute "~ sight" c: keen in attention: vigilant "keep a ~ lookout" d: keen in attention to one's own interest sometimes to the point of being unethical "a ~ trader"
3: keen in spirit or action: as a: full of activity or energy: brisk "~ blows" b: capable of acting or reacting strongly; esp: caustic
4: severe, harsh: as a: inclined to or marked by irritability or anger "a ~ temper" b: causing intense mental or physical distress "a ~ pain" c: cutting in language or import "a ~ rebuke"
5: affecting the senses or sense organs intensely: as a (1): having a strong odor or flavor "~ cheese" (2): acrid b: having a strong piercing sound c: having the effect of or involving a sudden brilliant display of light "a ~ flash"
6. a: terminating in a point or edge "~ features" b: involving an abrupt or marked change esp. in direction "a ~ turn" c: clear in outline or detail: distinct "a ~ image" d: set forth with clarity and distinctness "~ contrast"
7. a of a tone: raised a half step in pitch b: higher than the proper pitch c: major, augmented--used of an interval in music 8: stylish, dressy -- sharp.ly adv -- sharp.ness n syn sharp, keen, acute mean having or showing alert competence and clear understanding. sharp implies quick perception, clever resourcefulness, or sometimes questionable trickiness "sharp enough to spot a confidence game". keen suggests quickness, enthusiasm, and a penetrating mind "a keen observer of the political scene". acute implies a power to penetrate and may suggest subtlety and sharpness of discrimination "an acute sense of style".
[2]sharp adv (bef. 12c) 1: in a sharp manner: sharply
2: exactly, precisely "4 o'clock ~" [3]sharp n (14c): one that is sharp: as a: a sharp edge or point b (1): a musical note or tone one half step higher than a note or tone named (2): a character on a line or space of the musical staff indicating a pitch a half step higher than the degree would indicate without it c: a needle with a small eye for sewing by hand d: a real or self-styled expert; also: sharper [4]sharp vt (1662): to raise (as a musical tone) in pitch; esp: to raise in pitch by a half step ~ vi: to sing or play above the proper pitch