Saporem

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A characteristic taste or flavor that distinguishes one food or drink from another
2. The sensory quality associated with the essence of a substance, particularly in culinary contexts
3. An element of gustatory perception that defines the unique attributes of various edibles

Etymology: "Saporem" is the accusative form of Latin "sapor," which is the nominative form English borrowed directly. Latin "sapor" comes from "sapere," a verb meaning both "to taste" and "to be wise." The same root gave English "sage" and "sapient," so tasting and judging were once closely linked in Latin thought. The accusative stem "saporem" also passed into Old French as "saveur," and from there English acquired "savour." That makes "savour" a sibling of this word, reaching English by a different route.

Synonyms: flavor, taste, savor, zest, palate

Antonyms: blandness, insipidity, distaste, disgust