pun·gen·cy \-jənsē, -si\noun (-es) Etymology:pungent (I) + -cy 1.: the quality or state of being pungent : keenness, sharpness, poignancy < smoldering cigarettes have a harsh pungency of their own — Frances & Richard Lockridge > < the pungency of an aphorism > < pungency of dialogue > 2.: something that is pungent (as an odor, taste, statement)