əˈkjuːt əˈkjut dɪsˈkɹɪmɪneɪtɪŋ(ɡ) ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv ˈpɛnɪtɹeɪtɪŋ ˈpɪɹsɪŋ ˈpɪəsɪŋ ʃɑːp ʃɑɹp tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface a cold penetrating wind a penetrating odor having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions an acute observer of politics and politicians incisive comments icy knifelike reasoning as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang penetrating insight frequent penetrative observations