figurative esp. of language: Incisive; vigorous and clear; effective, energetic.

Of words: biting, keen; harsh. Obsolete.

Of agencies that affect the mind. Of language: Sharp, severe, incisive, cutting.

Of language or words: Cutting, biting, keen, trenchant.

Early form of trenchant, adj. n.; also from 18th cent. a loanword from French; esp. in figurative sense: = trenchant, adj. 2; also of colours…

figurative. Sharp or keen in mental qualities; producing a highly clear and impressive mental effect; penetrating, acute, trenchant.