piercing
pronunciation
How to pronounce piercing in British English:
UK [ˈpɪəsɪŋ]
How to pronounce piercing in American English:
US [ˈpɪrsɪŋ]
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- Adjective:
- having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
- high-pitched and sharp
- as physically painful as if caused by a sharp instrument
- suitable for cutting or piercing
- loud and sharp
Word Origin
- piercing (adj.)
- in reference to cold, sound, etc., early 15c., present participle adjective from pierce (v.). Figuratively, of pain, grief, etc., from late 14c. Related: Piercingly.
- piercing (n.)
- late 14c., verbal noun from pierce (v.).
Example
- 1. Cohen is ruddy-faced with a piercing boston accent .
- 2. He made a piercing refrain of the phrase , " we don 't have to settle . "
- 3. Lying curled up on my bed , the burning gets so bad I become a long piercing scream , all screaming on the inside of me and out of the pores of my skin .