sharply

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
sharp/ʃɑːp/

▶adjective

• 1 having an edge or point able to cut or pierce something.

  ■ tapering to a point or edge.

  ■ (of sand or gravel) composed of angular grains.

• 2 producing a sudden, piercing sensation or effect.

• 3 (of a food, taste, or smell) acidic and intense.

• 4 (of a sound) sudden and penetrating.

• 5 (of words or a speaker) critical or hurtful.

  ■ (of an emotion or experience) painful.

• 6 clearly defined.

• 7 informal smart and stylish.

• 8 sudden and marked.

  ■ making a sudden change of direction: a sharp bend.

• 9 showing speed of perception, comprehension, or response.

  ■ quick to take advantage, especially in a dishonest way.

• 10 (of musical sound) above true or normal pitch.

  ■ [postpos.] (of a note) a semitone higher than a specified note.

  ■ [postpos.] (of a key) having a sharp or sharps in the signature.

▶adverb

• 1 punctually: at 7.30 sharp.

• 2 suddenly or abruptly.

• 3 above the true or normal pitch of musical sound.

▶noun

• 1 a musical note raised a semitone above natural pitch.

  ■ the sign (♯) indicating this.

• 2 (usu. sharps) an object with a sharp point, especially a hypodermic needle.

  ■ a long, sharply pointed needle used for general sewing.

▶verb

• 1 (usu. as adj. sharped) US Music raise the pitch of (a note).

• 2 archaic cheat or swindle (someone), especially at cards.

– derivatives
sharply adverb,
sharpness noun.

– origin OE sc(e)arp, of Gmc origin.