adj.
Pronunciation: ' po ̇ i-ny ə nt sometimes ' po ̇ i(g)-n ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere ― more at PUNGENT
Date: 14th century
1 : pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>
2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : PIERCING (2) : deeply affecting : TOUCHING b : designed to make an impression : CUTTING < poignant satire>
3 a : pleasurably stimulating b : being to the point : APT
synonyms see PUNGENT , MOVING
– poi · gnant · ly adverb