piquancy
1
8.2
- noun
- /ˈpɪk.wən.si/
- The piquancy of the fresh ginger made the tea invigorating.
Examples
-
She enjoyed the piquancy of the dish, which combined spicy and tangy flavors.
-
The air was heavy with frying smells and the piquancy of greens.
Fiction book (1999) -
Plain salt, the mineral with the gift of piquancy, is the catalyst on Gavarini's stage.
Academic text (2005) -
He describes a Rouault painting as "interpenetrating layers of viscous paint that begin to emphasize the surface in a declamatory way" and wrote, "almost everything Picasso does has a certain pungency or, at worst, piquancy."
Academic text (1992) -
The piquancy of the salsa added a delightful kick to the tacos.
Synonyms
11
5.9
A strong sharp taste or smell that stays on the tongue
2
2.3
A strong hot taste that makes your mouth tingle
1
4.2
A sharp, pleasantly sour taste like lemon, often with a little spice
1
3.5
A lively, energetic quality or a strong, pleasant taste in people and food
1
7.0
A strong, sharp taste or smell you notice quickly
A pleasant spicy taste that makes your mouth feel lively
A pleasantly sharp taste that makes food more exciting
Antonyms
How Stimulating
102
3.4
417
1.0
1
8.2
∞
1.0
264
2.2
83
1.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Piquancy comes from the French verb piquer, meaning 'to prick' or 'to sting', so think of a spice that gives a small 'sting' on your tongue and wakes your taste. That's why piquancy describes a sharp, spicy, or appetizing flavor.