Élesség

Élesség is a Hungarian noun meaning sharpness or keenness. It derives from éles, meaning sharp, with the abstract-noun suffix -ség. The term is used in several senses, spanning physical edge quality, perceptual clarity, and intellectual acuity.

In the context of tools and blades, élesség denotes the state of a cutting edge. A high élesség indicates the ability to cut cleanly with minimal resistance. Maintenance practices such as élezés (sharpening) and honing are used to restore or improve élesség. Factors influencing edge quality include material hardness, edge geometry, burr removal, and wear.

In vision and imaging, élesség describes the clarity with which details are resolved. In Hungarian technical and clinical writing, it can refer to image sharpness or visual acuity, often assessed through standard tests or imaging metrics that quantify edge contrast and resolution.

In cognitive and everyday language, élesség can describe mental sharpness or quick-wittedness. Expressions like éles elméjű convey a keen mind, while metaphorical uses compare cognitive clarity to visual or edge sharpness.

Related terms include éles (sharp), élezés (sharpening), and élesíteni (to sharpen). The concept thus spans practical, perceptual, and intellectual domains, with context determining whether it refers to a physical edge, a perceptual image, or a cognitive faculty.