trenchant

adjective3

1. •
   (figurative) Keen; biting; vigorously articulate and effective; severe.

   • His eyes, of the usual blue, were perhaps remarkably cold, and he certainly could make his glance fall on one as trenchant and heavy as an axe. — 1899
2. •
   Adapted for tearing into flesh.

   • The trenchant talonid is a character of some miacids and distinguishes these teeth from the hyaenodontids and oxyaenids. — 1971
3. •
   (no longer used) Fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp.

   • The trenchant blade, Toledo trusty, / For want of fighting was grown rusty, / And ate into itself, for lack / Of somebody to hew and hack. — 1663