piercing
adj. · n.-
1 loud and sharp sound (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatea sound that is very high, loud, and uncomfortable to hear.
describing a sound that is shrill, high-pitched, and seemingly capable of penetrating the ears.
ExampleA piercing scream came from the dark hallway, making everyone stop and look.
ExampleThe piercing whistle of the steam engine echoed through the valley, signaling the train's arrival long before it appeared on the horizon.
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2 intense look (adj.) C1 Advanced Literarya look from someone's eyes that makes you feel like they can see your secrets.
describing a gaze or look that is intense and seems to discover one's inner thoughts.
ExampleThe detective looked at me with piercing blue eyes while I told my story.
ExampleShe fixed him with a piercing gaze that seemed to strip away his carefully prepared excuses, forcing him to look away in discomfort.
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3 extremely cold (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatewind or weather that is so cold it feels like it is going through your clothes.
describing weather or temperature that is bitingly cold and penetrates protective layers.
ExampleA piercing wind blew across the lake, making us wish we had brought heavier coats.
ExampleDespite his thick woollen sweater, the piercing winter gale reached his skin, numbing his fingers within minutes of stepping outside.
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4 body jewelry (n.) B1 Intermediatea hole made in your body, like your ear or nose, for wearing jewelry.
a hole made in the skin or cartilage for the purpose of inserting jewelry; also refers to the jewelry itself.
ExampleShe decided to get a nose piercing to celebrate her eighteenth birthday.
ExampleThe studio specializes in sterile body piercings and stocks a wide variety of surgical-grade titanium hoops and studs.
- perforation
- puncture
From pierce + -ing.