Search results for 'sharp':

sharp adj 1 having a thin edge or point that cuts or pierces. 2 having a bitter pungent taste. 3 severely or harshly felt; penetrating • sharp pain. 4 sudden and acute • sharp increases • a sharp bend. 5 abrupt or harsh in speech; sarcastic. 6 easily perceived; clear-cut or well-defined • a sharp contrast. 7 keen or perceptive. 8 eager; alert to one's own interests. 9 barely honest; cunning. 10 fit; adept or able. 11 having abrupt or acute corners. 12 colloq stylish • a sharp dresser. 13 music higher in pitch by a semitone • C sharp. Compare flat¹ (adj 11b). 14 music slightly too high in pitch. noun 1 music a note raised by a semitone, or the sign indicating this (sharp). 2 music the key producing this note. 3 colloq a practised cheat; a sharper • a card sharp. 4 a long slender needle. 5 (sharps) the hard parts of wheat. adverb 1 punctually; on the dot • at 9 o'clock sharp. 2 suddenly • pulled up sharp. 3 music high or too high in pitch. sharply adverb. sharpness noun. at the sharp end in the position of greatest difficulty, pressure, danger, stress, etc in any activity or situation. look sharp colloq to hurry up; to be quick.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon scearp.