1. 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"
2. 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"