SHARP

Definitions for the word, sharp

(adv.) Precisely; exactly; as, we shall start at ten o'clock sharp.

(adv.) To a point or edge; piercingly; eagerly; sharply.

(n.) A portion of a stream where the water runs very rapidly.

(n.) A sewing needle having a very slender point; a needle of the most pointed of the three grades, blunts, betweens, and sharps.

(n.) A sharp tone or note.

(n.) A sharp tool or weapon.

(n.) An expert.

(n.) Same as Middlings, 1.

(n.) The character [/] used to indicate that the note before which it is placed is to be raised a half step, or semitone, in pitch.

(superl.) Affecting the sense as if pointed or cutting, keen, penetrating, acute: to the taste or smell, pungent, acid, sour, as ammonia has a sharp taste and odor; to the hearing, piercing, shrill, as a sharp sound or voice; to the eye, instantaneously brilliant, dazzling, as a sharp flash.

(superl.) Composed of hard, angular grains; gritty; as, sharp sand.

(superl.) Cutting in language or import; biting; sarcastic; cruel; harsh; rigorous; severe; as, a sharp rebuke.

(superl.) Eager in pursuit; keen in quest; impatient for gratification; keen; as, a sharp appetite.

(superl.) Fierce; ardent; fiery; violent; impetuous.

(superl.) Having a very thin edge or fine point; of a nature to cut or pierce easily; not blunt or dull; keen.

(superl.) High in pitch; acute; as, a sharp note or tone.

(superl.) Keenly or unduly attentive to one's own interest; close and exact in dealing; shrewd; as, a sharp dealer; a sharp customer.

(superl.) Of keen perception; quick to discern or distinguish; having nice discrimination; acute; penetrating; sagacious; clever; as, a sharp eye; sharp sight, hearing, or judgment.

(superl.) Raised a semitone in pitch; as, C sharp (C/), which is a half step, or semitone, higher than C.

(superl.) So high as to be out of tune, or above true pitch; as, the tone is sharp; that instrument is sharp. Opposed in all these senses to flat.

(superl.) Steep; precipitous; abrupt; as, a sharp ascent or descent; a sharp turn or curve.

(superl.) Terminating in a point or edge; not obtuse or rounded; somewhat pointed or edged; peaked or ridged; as, a sharp hill; sharp features.

(superl.) Uttered in a whisper, or with the breath alone, without voice, as certain consonants, such as p, k, t, f; surd; nonvocal; aspirated.

(superl.) Very trying to the feelings; piercing; keen; severe; painful; distressing; as, sharp pain, weather; a sharp and frosty air.

(v. i.) To play tricks in bargaining; to act the sharper.

(v. i.) To sing above the proper pitch.

(v. t.) To raise above the proper pitch; to elevate the tone of; especially, to raise a half step, or semitone, above the natural tone.

(v. t.) To sharpen.