How Do You Spell PIQUANT?

Pronunciation: [pˈiːkənt] (IPA)

The word "piquant" is spelled with five letters and is pronounced as /piˈkɑ̃/, with stress on the second syllable. The "p" is pronounced with a voiceless oral stop followed by an "i" which is pronounced as a long vowel. Then, there is a nasal vowel represented by "q" along with an "ü" sound. Finally, there is an "a" pronounced as a nasal vowel followed by a voiceless oral stop at the end. "Piquant" means having a pleasantly sharp taste or stimulating flavor.

PIQUANT Meaning and Definition

1. Piquant is an adjective that describes something as having a pleasantly sharp, tangy, or spicy flavor. It refers to food or spices that are highly stimulating to the senses, often demonstrating a combination of different tastes, such as sweet and spicy or sour and tangy. When used in the context of taste, piquant indicates a notable level of zest and intense flavor that excites and stimulates the palate.

   Beyond food, piquant can also describe other sensory experiences. For example, it can refer to a striking or intriguing quality that arouses interest or curiosity. When used in this sense, it suggests that something has a provocative, stimulating, or thought-provoking nature. This quality can be applied to various aspects of life, such as a piece of artwork, a novel, or a conversation.

   Furthermore, piquant can also describe a person's demeanor or behavior when characterized by a lively, sharp, and engaging manner. It suggests that someone possesses a quick wit or charm that captivates and intrigues others. This term often implies an element of cleverness or wit, which adds spice and liveliness to social interactions.

   Overall, whether it pertains to taste, sensory experiences, or personal qualities, piquant represents a captivating, stimulating, and distinctive characteristic that elicits interest and excitement.

2. Pungent; sharp; tart; stimulating to the tongue; severe.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PIQUANT *

• pequant 100%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for PIQUANT

• piunt
• aquant
• pusuant
• puruant
• pigmant
• piqant
• piquat
• psquilant
• piquaa
• Poquano
• piqulet
• piquayne
• Pizant
• Viquana

Etymology of PIQUANT

The word "piquant" has its origins in the Old French word "piquant", which means "pricking" or "prickly". This Old French adjective comes from the verb "piquer", meaning "to prick" or "to sting". The word ultimately derives from the Latin word "pungere", which has the same meaning of "to prick" or "to sting". Over time, the sense of "piquant" expanded figuratively to describe something as flavorful, spicy, or stimulating, giving it its current meaning in English.

Similar spelling words for PIQUANT

• piacente,
• piquantly.