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adj. keen·er, keen·est 1. Having a fine, sharp cutting edge or point. 2. Having or marked by intellectual quickness and acuity. See Synonyms at sharp. 3. Acutely sensitive: a keen ear. 4. Sharp; vivid; strong: "His entire body hungered for keen sensation, something exciting" (Richard Wright). 5. Intense or bracing: a keen wind. 6. Pungent; acrid: A keen smell of skunk was left behind. 7. a. Ardent; enthusiastic: a keen chess player. b. Eagerly desirous: keen on going to Europe in the spring. 8. Slang Great; splendid; fine: What a keen day! [Middle English kene, from Old English cēne, brave.] keenly adv. keenness n. |
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