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

As they ferment, the rinds soften in texture and deepen in flavor; it's the chopped rind that you add to dishes like tagines or pilafs, lending a refreshing piquancy.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 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

A scholar named Thomas Cole, however, published an ingenious speculative essay in 1991.2 Corax’s name—giving extra piquancy to the judge’s joke—means “crow” in Greek, and Cole starts out arguing from common sense.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith