piercing

pierc-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A hole made in a part of the body for wearing jewelry; the jewelry itself or the practice.

  2. 2.

    (of a sound) Very loud, sharp, and high-pitched.

  3. 3.

    (of eyes or a look) Appearing to see through someone; intensely perceptive.

  4. 4.

    (of cold or wind) Extremely sharp and biting.

Forms

plural: piercings

Related words

See also: pierce, pierced, tattoo
Synonyms: body piercing

Etymology

Present participle of pierce, from Old French percer. The noun sense referring to body modification emerged in the late 20th century.