Definition of sharp

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sharp    (shärp) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
sharp·er, sharp·est

1. Having a thin edge or a fine point suitable for or capable of cutting or piercing.
2. 1. Having clear form and detail: a sharp photographic image.
   2. Terminating in an edge or a point: sharp angular cliffs; a sharp nose.
   3. Clearly and distinctly set forth: sharp contrasts in behavior.
3. Abrupt or acute: a sharp drop; a sharp turn.
4. 1. Intellectually penetrating; astute.
   2. Marked by keenness and accuracy of perception: sharp hearing.
5. Crafty or deceitful, as in business dealings: sharp selling practices.
6. Vigilant; alert: kept a sharp lookout for shoplifters.
7. 1. Briskly or keenly cold and cutting: a sharp wind.
   2. Harsh or biting in tone or character: sharp criticism.
8. Fierce or impetuous; violent: a sharp temper; a sharp assault.
9. Intense; severe: a sharp pain.
10. 1. Sudden and shrill: a sharp whistle.
    2. Sudden and brilliant or dazzling: a sharp flash of lightning.
11. Strongly affecting the senses of smell and taste: a sharp pungent odor; a sharp cheese.
12. Composed of hard angular particles: sharp sand.
13. Music
    1. Raised in pitch by a semitone.
    2. Being above the proper pitch.
    3. Having the key signature in sharps.
14. Informal Attractive or stylish: a sharp jacket. See Synonyms at fashionable.

ADVERB:

1. In a sharp manner: hit me sharp on the brow.
2. Punctually; exactly: at three o'clock sharp.
3. Music Above the true or proper pitch.

NOUN:

1. Music
   1. A sign () used to indicate that a note is to be raised by a half step.
   2. A note that is raised a half step.
2. A slender sewing needle with a very fine point.
3. Informal
   1. An expert.
   2. A shrewd cheater; a sharper.

VERB:
Music sharped, sharp·ing, sharps
VERB:
tr.

To raise in pitch by a semitone.

VERB:
intr.

To play or sing above the proper pitch.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English scharp, from Old English scearp; see sker-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
sharply(Adverb), sharpness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
sharp, keen¹, acute

These adjectives all apply literally to fine edges, points, or tips. Figuratively they indicate mental alertness and clarity of comprehension. Sharp suggests quickness and astuteness: "a young man of sharp and active intellect" (John Henry Newman). Keen implies clear-headedness and acuity: a journalist with a keen mind and quick wits. Acute suggests penetrating perception or discernment: an acute observer of national politics.