n. & v.
n. 1 a the sensation characteristic of a soluble substance caused in the mouth and throat by contact with that substance (disliked the taste of garlic). b the faculty of perceiving this sensation (was bitter to the taste). 2 a small portion of food or drink taken as a sample. 3 a slight experience (a taste of success). 4 (often foll. by for) a liking or predilection (has expensive tastes; is not to my taste). 5 aesthetic discernment in art, literature, conduct, etc., esp. of a specified kind (a person of taste; dresses in poor taste).
v. 1 tr. sample or test the flavour of (food etc.) by taking it into the mouth. 2 tr. (also absol.) perceive the flavour of (could taste the lemon; cannot taste with a cold). 3 tr. (esp. with neg.) eat or drink a small portion of (had not tasted food for days). 4 tr. have experience of (had never tasted failure). 5 intr. (often foll. by of) have a specified flavour (tastes bitter; tastes of onions). a bad (or bitter etc.) taste colloq. a strong feeling of regret or unease. taste blood see BLOOD. taste bud any of the cells or nerve-endings on the surface of the tongue by which things are tasted. to taste in the amount needed for a pleasing result (add salt and pepper to taste). tasteable adj.
[ ME, = touch, taste, f. OF tast, taster touch, try, taste, ult. perh. f. L tangere touch + gustare taste ]