sharpening

Sharpen \Sharp"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sarpened}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Sharpening}.] [See {Sharp}, a.]
   To make sharp. Specifically:
   (a) To give a keen edge or fine point to; to make sharper;
       as, to sharpen an ax, or the teeth of a saw.
   (b) To render more quick or acute in perception; to make more
       ready or ingenious.
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             The air . . . sharpened his visual ray
             To objects distant far.              --Milton.
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             He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and
             sharpens our skill.                  --Burke.
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   (c) To make more eager; as, to sharpen men's desires.
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             Epicurean cooks
             Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite. --Shak.
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   (d) To make more pungent and intense; as, to sharpen a pain
       or disease.
   (e) To make biting, sarcastic, or severe. "Sharpen each
       word." --E. Smith.
   (f) To render more shrill or piercing.
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             Inclosures not only preserve sound, but increase
             and sharpen it.                      --Bacon.
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   (g) To make more tart or acid; to make sour; as, the rays of
       the sun sharpen vinegar.
   (h) (Mus.) To raise, as a sound, by means of a sharp; to
       apply a sharp to.
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