zest

[ zest ]

noun

1. keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto.
2. an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something.
3. anything added to impart flavor, enhance one's appreciation, etc.
4. piquancy; interest; charm.

   Synonyms: tang, spice

5. liveliness or energy; animating spirit.
6. the peel, especially the thin outer peel, of a citrus fruit used for flavoring:

   lemon zest.

verb (used with object)

1. to give zest, relish, or piquancy to.

zest

/ zɛst /

noun

1. invigorating or keen excitement or enjoyment

   a zest for living

2. added interest, flavour, or charm; piquancy

   her presence gave zest to the occasion

3. something added to give flavour or relish
4. the peel or skin of an orange or lemon, used as flavouring in drinks, etc

verb

1. tr to give flavour, interest, or piquancy to

Derived Forms

• ˈzestfully, adverb
• ˈzesty, adjective
• ˈzestful, adjective
• ˈzestless, adjective
• ˈzestfulness, noun

Other Words From

• zestless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

1665–75; < French zest (now zeste ) orange or lemon peel used for flavoring < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of zest¹

C17: from French zeste peel of citrus fruits used as flavouring, of unknown origin

Related Words

• flavoring
• ginger
• salt
• seasoning
• spice