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

They've since discovered that combining the fungus with a wide range of ingredients provides a texture and flavor additive that can transform even the trickiest alt-protein dishes into a culinary star.

From Salon

The rejuvenated bread "has the texture of French toast and the flavor of grilled cheese."

From Salon

As it ferments, N. intermedia takes on an "earthy, floral quality," von Hagn noted, and cooking it provides "a cheesy, deeply savory, mushroom-y flavor and aroma."

From Salon

Chefs at Alchemist, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Denmark, have created a dessert in which its fungal enzymes enhance the sweetness and flavor of a sugarless rice custard.

From Salon

“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