I. ˈtāst verb
( 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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. obsolete : test
2.
a. obsolete : the act of tasting
b. : a small amount tasted
c. : a small amount : bit ; especially : a sample of experience
her first taste of success
3. : the special sense that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue
4. : the objective sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance as perceived by the sense of taste
5.
a. : a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is typically produced by the stimulation of the sense of taste combined with those of touch and smell : flavor
b. : the distinctive quality of an experience
that gruesome scene left a bad taste in my mouth
6. : individual preference : inclination
7.
a. : critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation
b. : manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation