sharp (sharp)

adjective

• 1(of an object) having an edge or point that is able to cut or pierce something: cut the cake with a very sharp knife keep tools sharp
• tapering to a point or edge: a sharp pencil her face was thin and her nose sharp
• (of sand or gravel) composed of angular grains.

• 2producing a sudden, piercing physical sensation or effect: I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my back
• (of a food, taste, or smell) acidic and intense: fresh goats' milk cheese has a slightly sharper flavour than fromage frais
• (of a sound) sudden and penetrating: there was a sharp crack of thunder
• (of words or a speaker) critical or hurtful: she feared his sharp tongue he could be very sharp with her
• (of an emotion or experience) felt acutely or intensely; painful: her sharp disappointment was tinged with embarrassment

• 3distinct in outline or detail; clearly defined: the job was a sharp contrast from her past life the scene was as sharp and clear in his mind as a film

• 4(of an action or change) sudden and marked: there was a sharp increase in interest rates he heard her sharp intake of breath
• (of a bend, angle, or turn) making a sudden change of direction: the bus creaked round a sharp hairpin bend

• 5having or showing speed of perception, comprehension, or response: her sharp eyes missed nothing his old mind was not so sharp as it once was
• quick to take advantage, especially in an unscrupulous or dishonest way: Paul’s a sharp operator

• 6(of musical sound) above true or normal pitch.
• [postpositive] (of a note) a semitone higher than a specified note: F sharp
• (of a key) having a sharp or sharps in the signature.

• 7 informal (of clothes or their wearer) smart and stylish: they were greeted by a young man in a sharp suit

adverb

• 1precisely (used after an expression of time): the meeting starts at 7.30 sharp

• 2in a sudden or abrupt way: turn sharp right at the corner he was brought up sharp by Helen’s voice

• 3above the true or normal pitch of musical sound: he heard him playing a little sharp on the high notes

noun

• 1a musical note raised a semitone above natural pitch.
• the sign (♯) indicating a sharp.

• 2a long, sharply pointed needle used for general sewing.
• (usually sharps) a thing with a sharp edge, such as a blade or a fragment of glass: the safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste

• 3 informal a swindler or cheat. See also card sharp

verb

• 1 (usually as adjective sharped) Music, US raise the pitch of (a note).

• 2 archaic cheat or swindle (someone), especially at cards: the fellow is drunk, let’s sharp him

  [ late 17th century: from sharper; compare with shark²]