n.
Pronunciation: ' t ā st
Function: verb
Inflected Form: tast · ed ; tast · ing
Etymology: Middle English, to touch, test, taste, from Anglo-French taster, from Vulgar Latin *taxitare, frequentative of Latin taxare to touch, feel ― more at TAX
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to become acquainted with by experience <has tasted the frustration of defeat>
2 : to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth
3 : to eat or drink especially in small quantities
4 : to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste
5 archaic : APPRECIATE , ENJOY
intransitive verb
1 : to eat or drink a little
2 : to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth
3 : to have perception, experience, or enjoyment : PARTAKE ― often used with of
4 : to have a specific flavor <the apple taste s sour>