Definition of "pungence" []

• The quality of odor/odour that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances. (adjective)

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• "The secret Chef Lucas taught me, is boiling the garlic to reduce its pungence and increase its mellow sweetness."
• "You need lots of water to remove all the pungence of the garlic."
• "As I approached the car, I felt my body began to shrink from the Cthulhian pungence that drifted out of the windows."