Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tang Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ƒ
Add to dictionary

tang

[tรฆล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dance

A Chinese-American dance that originated in the early 20th century. It combines elements of traditional Chinese dance with Western dance styles, such as jazz and swing.

Synonyms

Chinese-American dance, fusion dance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tang

Also refers to a dynasty in Chinese history, the Tang Dynasty. Use in historical or cultural discussions.

  • The Tang Dynasty is considered a high point in Chinese civilization, particularly in arts and culture.
  • Artifacts from the Tang Dynasty are on display at the museum.
Chinese-American dance

A dance form that blends elements from Chinese and American dance traditions. Use in discussions about cultural fusion and heritage in dance.

  • The Chinese-American dance performance beautifully merged traditional Chinese movements with modern American styles.
  • She specializes in Chinese-American dance, creating pieces that reflect her bicultural experiences.
fusion dance

Describes a dance style that combines elements from different dance traditions or genres. Often used in contexts discussing modern, innovative, or eclectic dance forms.

  • The fusion dance crew wowed the audience with their blend of hip-hop and contemporary moves.
  • Fusion dance allows performers to mix their favorite styles into one unique routine.

Examples of usage

  • The performers moved gracefully, showcasing their skills in the tang dance.
  • She learned how to do the tang during her summer dance classes.
Context #2 | Noun

fruit

A citrus fruit that is similar to an orange but with a sharper taste. It is often used in Asian cuisine and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking.

Synonyms

citrus fruit, sharp-tasting fruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tang

Tang is used when referring to a distinctive, strong, and slightly sharp taste or smell, often in connection with food and drink.

  • The tang of freshly squeezed lemons filled the kitchen.
  • I love the tang of cranberry juice in the morning.
citrus fruit

Citrus fruit refers to fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. This term is used in general discussions about these types of fruits.

  • Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
  • Citrus fruit is often used in salads for a fresh, zesty flavor.
sharp-tasting fruit

Sharp-tasting fruit describes fruit that has a strong, tangy, or sour flavor. It's often used when emphasizing the intensity of the fruit's taste.

  • Raspberries can be a sharp-tasting fruit, perfect for balancing sweet desserts.
  • The sharp-tasting fruit added a burst of flavor to the smoothie.

Examples of usage

  • She added some tang zest to the stir-fry for an extra burst of flavor.
  • The tang juice was refreshing on a hot summer day.
Context #3 | Verb

flavor

To add a sharp or tangy taste to something, typically through the use of citrus fruits or vinegar.

Synonyms

add zest, infuse with tang.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tang

This term is often used to describe a sharp, pungent taste or smell, typically in food or drinks. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if the flavor is too strong or overpowering.

  • The salad dressing had a strong tang that overwhelmed the delicate greens.
  • There was a tang of freshly cut grass in the air.
add zest

Used when talking about enhancing the flavor or excitement of something, often referring to adding citrus peel to a dish. It generally has a positive connotation, implying a small but impactful addition.

  • She decided to add zest to the cake for a burst of lemon flavor.
  • His jokes added zest to the otherwise dull meeting.
infuse with tang

This phrase indicates the process of gradually permeating something with a sharp or pungent flavor. This is often used in cooking and drinks preparation.

  • By letting the meat marinate overnight, it was infused with tangy spices.
  • The herbal tea was infused with tang, thanks to the fresh lemon slices.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to tang the salad dressing with a splash of lemon juice.
  • The chef recommended tanging the sauce with a hint of balsamic vinegar.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • A 'tang' can be caused by specific compounds called acids, which stimulate taste buds and create that sharp sensation.
  • In chemistry, 'tang' often describes a distinctive flavor found in certain food products, particularly citrus fruits due to citric acid.
  • Researchers study 'tang' in flavors to enhance food products, making them more appealing and unique to consumers.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, 'tang' is a sought-after quality in many dishes, such as vinaigrettes or marinades where acidity is key.
  • Certain cheeses, like blue cheese, are celebrated for their 'tangy' flavor profile, adding complexity to the palate.
  • In Asian cuisine, ingredients like tamarind give dishes a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Pop Culture

  • The drink 'Tang' became popular during the space race, marketed as an astronaut beverage due to its concentrated flavor.
  • In music, various bands have used 'tang' metaphorically in songs to convey vibrancy and zest in life experiences.
  • The term โ€˜tangโ€™ has appeared in various films and shows to evoke flavor or zest in characters or settings.

Psychology

  • Taste and smell are strongly linked to memory; a 'tangy' flavor can evoke vivid memories of childhood or specific experiences.
  • The perception of 'tang' varies from person to person, influenced by cultural backgrounds and personal taste preferences.
  • Research indicates that sharp flavors can stimulate the brain's pleasure centers more intensely, leading to enjoyment and cravings.

Origin of 'tang'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tang' comes from the Middle English word 'tange,' which meant a strong taste.
  • It has roots in the Old Norse word 'tangr,' referring to a sharp point or feature, linking the word to something that catches attention.
  • In the 16th century, 'tang' was commonly used to describe the flavor of fish, emphasizing its strong, distinct taste.

The word 'tang' has a rich history, originating from Old English 'tang' meaning serpent or snake. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a sharp taste or flavor, possibly influenced by the tangy taste of citrus fruits. The term 'tang' also gained popularity in the dance world with the emergence of Chinese-American dance styles in the early 20th century. Today, 'tang' is a versatile word used to describe both a dance style and a flavor profile.

See also: tangent, tangerine, tangible, tangle, tangy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,968, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.