pungenta.[L. pungens, -entis, p. pr. of pungere, punctum, to prick. Cf. Compunction, Expunge, Poignant, Point, n., Puncheon, Punctilio, Punt, v. t.]1. Causing a sharp sensation, as of the taste, smell, or feelings; pricking; biting; acrid; as, a pungent spice.()Pungent radish biting infant's tongue. (Shenstone.)The pungent grains of titillating dust. (Pope.)2. Sharply painful; penetrating; poignant; severe; caustic; stinging.()With pungent pains on every side. (Swift.)His pungent pen played its part in rousing the nation. (J. R. Green.)3. (Bot.) Prickly-pointed; hard and sharp.()()