flavor

[ fley-ver ]

noun

1. taste, especially the distinctive taste of something as it is experienced in the mouth.
2. a substance or extract that provides a particular taste; flavoring.

   Synonyms: seasoning

3. the characteristic quality of a thing:

   He captured the flavor of the experience in his book.

   Synonyms: spirit, essence

4. a particular quality noticeable in a thing:

   language with a strong nautical flavor.

5. Physics. any of the six labels given to the distinct kinds of quark: up, down, strange, charm, bottom, and top.
6. Archaic. smell, odor, or aroma.

verb (used with object)

1. to give flavor to (something).

flavor

/ flā′vər /

1. Any of six classifications of quark varieties, distinguished by mass and electric charge. The flavors have the names up, down, strange, charm, top, and bottom. Protons in atomic nuclei are composed of two up quarks and one down quark, while neutrons consist of one up quark and two down quarks. The flavor of a quark may be changed in interactions involving the weak force .

Other Words From

• flavor·less adjective
• de·flavor verb (used with object)
• over·flavor verb
• pre·flavor noun verb (used with object)
• un·flavored adjective
• well-flavored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flavor¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French fla(o)ur, from unattested Late Latin flātor “stench, breath,” alteration of Latin flātus a “blowing, breathing,” ( flatus ), perhaps with -or of fētor fetor

Synonym Study

See taste.

Example Sentences

Regarding clientele, diners in the UK seem to be more open minded in trying different flavors or cuisines, whereas New Yorkers know exactly what they want and they are going to find it.

From Salon

Pistachios are sold with or without their shells and are available in a range of savory or sweet flavors.

From Salon

Interestingly enough, Hill-Maini discovered many of these inedible items could be transformed into something with appetizing colors, textures, and flavors.

From Salon

The state of California added its own twist that year, banning most flavored tobacco products.

From Los Angeles Times

“So when they see something like Laszlo, which is a strong flavor, it’s difficult to imagine that person doing anything else.”

From Salon

Related Words

• character
• feel
• feeling
• quality
• style
• tone
• touch