degust

American  

[dih-guhst] / dɪˈgʌst /

Also degustate

verb (used with object)

1. to taste or savor carefully or appreciatively.

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degust British  

/ dɪˈɡʌsteɪt, ˌdiːɡʌˈsteɪʃən, dɪˈɡʌst /

verb

1. rare to taste, esp with care or relish; savour

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Other Word Forms

• degustation noun

Etymology

Origin of degust

1615–25; < Latin dēgustāre to taste, try, equivalent to dē- de- + gustāre to taste ( gust ( us ) a tasting + -āre infinitive suffix)

Explanation

The verb degust means to savor or enjoy the taste of something to the fullest extent. Don't gobble your favorite dessert — take your time and degust that Boston cream pie! Given the similarity between degust and disgust, you might be surprised to learn that this rarely used verb actually means "taste with pleasure." The word derives from the Latin degustare, from de-, "completely," and gustare, "to taste." So when you degust that first bite of your dad's famous chili or your own homemade vanilla ice cream, you truly savor it.