Adjective
1. having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions;
"an acute observer of politics and politicians""incisive comments""icy knifelike reasoning""as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang""penetrating insight""frequent penetrative observations"2. high-pitched and sharp;
"piercing screams""a shrill whistle"3. as physically painful as if caused by a sharp instrument;
"a cutting wind""keen winds""knifelike cold""piercing knifelike pains""piercing cold""piercing criticism""a stabbing pain""lancinating pain"4. suitable for cutting or piercing;
"incisive teeth""the piercing needle"5. loud and sharp;
"the piercing shriek of sirens"