adjective
also pi·quante ˈpēkənt, -ˌkänt, -ˌkant
Etymology: piquant from Middle French, from present participle of piquer to prick, sting, nettle, pique; piquante from Middle French, feminine of piquant — more at pike
1. archaic : disagreeably sharp : stinging, provocative , cutting
2. : agreeably stimulating to the palate : pleasantly tart, sharp, or biting : pungent
ham … curing in a piquant brine — New Yorker
3. : arousing or having the power to arouse pleasant mental excitement : engagingly provocative
the writing is never dull and often piquant — Geographical Journal
: agreeably challenging
his comments are always piquant and sometimes blistering — Times Literary Supplement
also : having a lively arch charm
she made a piquant pretty show with … her agreeable, slightly roguish face — Arnold Bennett
Synonyms: see pungent