Flavor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flavor

[หˆfleษชvษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

taste

The distinctive taste of a food or drink. It is determined by the combination of various components such as sweetness, bitterness, sourness, and umami.

Synonyms

aroma, savor, taste.

Examples of usage

  • This ice cream has a rich chocolate flavor.
  • The curry has a strong spicy flavor.
  • The wine has a fruity flavor.
Context #2 | Noun

characteristic

A particular quality or characteristic that distinguishes something. It can refer to the unique attributes of a product, experience, or individual.

Synonyms

attribute, characteristic, quality.

Examples of usage

  • The city has a unique cultural flavor.
  • The novel captures the flavor of the time period.
  • The dish has a traditional flavor.
Context #3 | Verb

enhance

To add a particular quality or characteristic to something in order to improve or enhance it.

Synonyms

infuse, season, spice.

Examples of usage

  • Adding herbs and spices can flavor the dish.
  • The marinade will flavor the meat beautifully.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Taste buds on our tongue identify five basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
  • Smell plays a crucial role; about 80% of what we perceive as flavor actually comes from our sense of smell.
  • Certain compounds in food, like capsaicin in chili peppers, can create a sensation of heat, affecting the overall flavor experienced.

Culinary Arts

  • Chefs often combine flavors to create new tastes, like mixing sweet with salty to enhance the dish.
  • Flavor pairings can be based on traditional cuisines, where certain ingredients are commonly found together, like basil and tomatoes.
  • Marinating food can deepen its flavor, allowing ingredients to absorb spices and aromas, making meals more enjoyable.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique flavor profiles, such as sweet and sour in Asian cuisine or spicy in Mexican dishes.
  • Flavor can evoke memories and emotions, often associated with comfort food or family gatherings.
  • Food festivals around the world celebrate diverse flavors, showcasing local ingredients and cooking traditions.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'flavor of the month' refers to something that is currently popular but might not last long.
  • In the world of entertainment, flavors can refer to styles or trends, like 'new flavor' in music or fashion.
  • Various ice cream flavors serve as a fun way to highlight creativity, from traditional vanilla to imaginative creations like lavender honey.

Origin of 'flavor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'flavor', which means the quality of being pleasing to the taste.
  • Old French 'flaveur' influenced the current English term, highlighting its journey through languages.
  • The English term was first recorded in the 14th century, indicating how long people have been talking about taste.

The word 'flavor' originated from the Middle English word 'flavour', which came from the Old French word 'flaur', meaning fragrance or aroma. It has been used in English since the late 13th century to describe the distinctive taste or quality of food and later expanded to refer to characteristics or attributes in a broader sense.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,824 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.