Definition of piquant

< pip-squeak

pique >

pi·quant    (pknt, -känt, p-känt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Pleasantly pungent or tart in taste; spicy.
2. 1. Appealingly provocative: a piquant wit.
   2. Charming, interesting, or attractive: a piquant face.
3. Archaic Causing hurt feelings; stinging.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Old French, present participle of piquer, to prick ; see pique

OTHER FORMS:
piquan·cy or piquant·ness(Noun), piquant·ly(Adverb)