Adjective

• 1. cutting or able to cut as if with a knife

• 2. 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"

• 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. having a sharp or distinct edge;

  "a narrow knifelike profile"