Pronunciation: [pˈʌnd͡ʒənt] (IPA) 
The word "pungent" is spelled with a "puh" sound followed by "ng" and "uh" and ending with "nt". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈpʌn.dʒənt/. The "uh" sound is pronounced like the "a" in "about" and "nt" is simply pronounced as "nt". "Pungent" is used to describe a strong and sharp odor, taste, or sensation. It is commonly used in culinary contexts and can refer to spices or ingredients that have a powerful flavor.
Pungent is an adjective that describes a strong and sharp smell or taste that is powerful, stimulating, and somewhat irritating to the senses, particularly the sense of smell or taste. It refers to something that has a penetrating or intense quality, often characterized by a spicy, acrid, or peppery flavor.
In terms of smell, pungent odors are easily perceptible and can evoke a strong reaction in the nose. These odors can be sharp, offensive, or overwhelming, often causing physical discomfort or a feeling of irritation.
Similarly, when used to describe taste, pungent flavors are intense and have a distinct ability to stimulate the taste buds. They can range from fiery and hot to tangy or biting, leaving a lingering and almost prickling sensation in the mouth.
Pungent can refer to a wide range of substances or items, including certain spices like chili peppers, onions, garlic, or strong cheeses. It can also describe certain chemical compounds, such as ammonia or vinegar, as well as certain substances that give off a strong, unpleasant smell, like rotten food or strong cleaning agents.
Overall, pungent describes something that is powerful, sharp, and often overpowering, whether in terms of smell or taste, leaving a lasting impression on the senses.
Sharp, acrid; said of the taste or odor of a substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Sharp; stinging or pricking; sharp on the tongue; sharp-tasted; biting; acrimonious; sarcastic.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pungent" has its origins in the Latin word "pungens", which is the present participle of the verb "pungere", meaning "to prick" or "to sting". This Latin word was later borrowed into Old French as "pungent", retaining its original meaning. In English, the word "pungent" first appeared in the 17th century, still used with the sense of something that pricks or stings, but eventually evolved to its current meaning of having a strong and sharp smell or taste.
