Meaning

• Of a weapon, etc.: sharp-pointed; keen.

• Neat; eloquent; applicable; relevant.

  "A poignant reply will garner more credence than hours of blown smoke."

• Evoking strong mental sensation, to the point of distress; emotionally moving.

  "Flipping through his high school yearbook evoked many a poignant memory of yesteryear."

• Of a smell or taste: piquant, pungent.

• Of a look, or of words: incisive; penetrating; piercing.

  "His comments were poignant and witty."

• Inducing sharp physical pain.