pi·quant (p
k
nt, -känt
, p-känt)
adj.
1. Pleasantly pungent or tart in taste; spicy.
2.
a. Appealingly provocative: a piquant wit.
b. Charming, interesting, or attractive: a piquant face.
3. Archaic Causing hurt feelings; stinging.
[French, from Old French, present participle of piquer, to prick; see pique.]
piquan·cy, piquant·ness n.
piquant·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
