Piquant Meaning and Definition
Piquant
Pronunciation
/ˈpiːkɑːnt/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A piquant is a type of flavor or quality that is pleasingly sharp or pungent, such as a piquant sauce or a piquant wit.
Examples
- The chef added a piquant seasoning to the dish.
- Her witty remark was piquant and unexpected.
Synonyms
- Pungent
- Savory
- Zesty
Etymology
From the Latin “piquus,” meaning ” sharp” or “keen.”
Usage Notes
Piquant can be used to describe a wide range of flavors and sensations, from spicy to savory to aromatic.
Cultural References
Piquant has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Spice of life
- Pungent wit
Related Words or Phrases
- Rash
- Acrid
- Zesty
Collocations
- Piquant flavor
- Piquant aroma
- Piquant charm
Frequency of Use
Piquant is a relatively rare word, but it is gaining popularity in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Piquint
- Piquent