adjective

piquant

PEE-kunt/ˈpiːkənt/

Having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste.

The diner enjoys the sauce's piquant flavor, sharpened by chili and lime.

A diner tastes a small spoonful of bright pepper sauce and smiles at its pleasantly sharp flavor; a cut chili and lime beside the bowl make the piquant taste clear, no flames or symbols.

Etymology

Literally “pricking” or “stinging,” piquant first described something sharp to the feelings. That sharpness became agreeable pungency in flavor and, figuratively, a lively quality that stimulates the mind.

More examples

The piquant relish balances the richness of the grilled cheese.
Pickled peppers make this salsa more piquant than the last batch.
She serves the fish with a piquant lemon sauce.

Forms

piquant · more piquant · most piquant

piquancy noun — The quality of tasting pleasantly sharp or spicy.

Similar words

tangy: Emphasizes a pleasantly tart or acidic taste rather than spice.
spicy: Emphasizes seasoning or peppery heat, not necessarily pleasant sharpness.
pungent: Describes penetrating flavor or smell that need not be pleasant.