piquancy

American  

[pee-kuhn-see, -kahn-] / ˈpi kən si, -kɑn- /

Rarely piquantness

noun

1. the fact or quality of being pleasantly strong, sharp, or tart in taste or flavor.

   Piquillo peppers, with their smoky, sweet piquancy, have a unique and irresistible flavor.

2. the fact or quality of being interestingly provocative, stimulating, lively, attractive, etc..

   These pithy sayings of his have more piquancy than objective truth.

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Etymology

Origin of piquancy

piqu(ant) ( def. ) + -ancy ( def. )

Example Sentences

Finally, a dose of horseradish gives the sauce a welcome piquancy.

From Washington Times • Sep. 12, 2023

While there were moments of piquancy and verve in the winds and brasses, the strings tamped out little flashes of fire and spark in favor of a plusher, more rounded sound.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Comedy was his baseline, into which he could inject piquancy or poignancy or wickedness as the occasion demanded.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2022

Adding piquancy to the current boycott is that it’s being done by reliable recent and future Olympic host nations.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2021

Still some novelty was necessary, to give to their return the piquancy with which I wished it to be invested.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë