pungent
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˈpəndʒənt// UK //pˈʌndʒənt// pun·gent
adj. having a strong, sharp, or unpleasant smell. You use this to describe things like strong spices or certain types of cheese.
adj. having a strong, sharp, or penetrating smell, often one that is unpleasant or irritating. Frequently used to describe chemical substances, spices, or fermented foods.
The kitchen was filled with the pungent smell of garlic.
The chef added a pungent spice to the sauce to give it a more intense flavor.
The pungent aroma of the citrus peel lingered in the air long after the guests had finished their meal.
Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”). Doublet of poignant.