I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English percing, from gerund of percen to pierce
: the act or process of perforating or the perforations made by it ; especially : openwork design (as in metalwork)
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English percing, from present participle of percen to pierce
: penetrating: as
a. : loud , shrill
piercing cries
b. : seeing clear or deep : discerning , perceptive , shrewd
an alert and enthusiastic face, with clear, piercing eyes and tender mouth — Walter Hough
c. : penetratingly cold : biting
a bitter piercing winter wind
d. : cutting , incisive , keen
piercing sarcasm
a piercing conviction
looked through her with piercing wisdom — Zane Grey
• pierc·ing·ly adverb
• pierc·ing·ness noun -es