Dictionary
sharp
Pronunciation: (shärp), [key]
—adj., -er, -est,
—v., adv., n.
—
adj.
1. having a thin cutting edge or a fine point; well-adapted for cutting or piercing:
a sharp knife.
2. terminating in an edge or point; not blunt or rounded:
The table had sharp corners.
3. involving a sudden or abrupt change in direction or course:
a sharp curve in the road; The car made a sharp turn.
4. abrupt, as an ascent:
a sharp drop.
5. consisting of angular lines and pointed forms or of thin, long features:
He had a sharp face.
6. clearly defined; distinct:
a sharp photographic image.
7. distinct or marked, as a contrast:
sharp differences of opinion.
8. pungent or biting in taste:
a sharp cheese.
9. piercing or shrill in sound:
a sharp cry.
10. keenly cold, as weather:
a sharp, biting wind.
11. felt acutely; intense; distressing:
sharp pain.
12. merciless, caustic, or harsh:
sharp words.
13. fierce or violent:
a sharp struggle.
14. keen or eager:
sharp desire.
15. quick, brisk, or spirited.
16. alert or vigilant:
They kept a sharp watch for the enemy.
17. mentally acute:
a sharp lad.
18. extremely sensitive or responsive; keen:
sharp vision; sharp hearing.
19. shrewd or astute:
a sharp bargainer.
20. shrewd to the point of dishonesty:
sharp practice.
21. Music.
a. (of a tone) raised a chromatic half step in pitch:
F sharp.
b. above an intended pitch, as a note; too high (opposed to
flat).
22. Informal.very stylish:
a sharp dresser; a sharp jacket.
23. Radio, Electronics.of, relating to, or responsive to a very narrow range of frequencies. Cf.
broadband.
24. Phonet.fortis; voiceless.
25. composed of hard, angular grains, as sand.
—
v.t.
Music.to raise in pitch, esp. by one chromatic half step.
—
v.i.
to sound above the true pitch.
—
adv.
1. keenly or acutely.
2. abruptly or suddenly:
to pull a horse up sharp.
3. punctually:
Meet me at one o'clock sharp.
4. vigilantly.
5. briskly; quickly.
6. Music.above the true pitch:
You're singing a little sharp.
—
n.
1. something sharp.
2. Usually,
sharps. a medium-length needle with a rounded eye and a sharp point, used for all-purpose hand sewing.
3. a sharper.
4. Informal.an expert.
5. Music.
a. a tone one chromatic half step above a given tone.
b. (in musical notation) the symbol ♯ indicating this.
Sharp
Pronunciation: (shärp), [key]—
n.
William (“Fiona Macleod”), 1855–?1905, Scottish poet and critic.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
