sharp*/*/*/

[ʃɑːp] adj I

1) a sharp object has an edge that can cut or an end that is pointed

a sharp knife[/ex]

sharp teeth/claws[/ex]

a sharp pencil[/ex]

These scissors aren't very sharp.[/ex]

2) sudden and very big or severe

a sharp rise in sales of organic produce[/ex]

a sharp drop in unemployment[/ex]

I felt a sharp pain in my foot.[/ex]

3) changing direction suddenly

a sharp bend in the road[/ex]

4) clear and seen in a lot of detail

The new high-definition TV offers razor-sharp pictures and digital sound.[/ex]

5) intelligent and quick to notice something or react to something

Some of these kids are pretty sharp when it comes to maths.[/ex]

a sharp wit[/ex]

6) a sharp comment, voice, or expression shows that someone is unfriendly or annoyed

The deal has come under sharp criticism from the opposition parties.[/ex]

7) clearly recognized as different

The warm weather was in sharp contrast to last year's cold temperatures.[/ex]

8) a sharp wind or FROST is very cold

9) used for showing that a musical note should be played or sung a SEMITONE higher than usual

sharply [ˈʃɑːpli] adv

10)

Interest rates have fallen sharply.[/ex]

The government has been sharply criticized.[/ex]

sharpness noun [U] II

adv

sharp [ʃɑːp]

1) at a particular time exactly

We're leaving at 5 o'clock sharp.[/ex]

2) British

in a way that changes direction suddenly

Turn sharp left after the bridge.[/ex]

3) at a higher than usual PITCH

III

noun [C]

sharp [ʃɑːp]

a musical note that is played or sung a SEMITONE higher than usual