I. ˈflāvə(r) noun
( -s )
Usage: see -or
Etymology: Middle English flavour, from (assumed) Middle French flavour, from Old French flavor, alteration (influenced by Old French savor ) of flaor, flaur, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin flator, from Latin flare to blow — more at blow
1.
a. archaic : that quality of something which affects the sense of smell : odor , fragrance , aroma
b. : that quality of something which affects the sense of taste or gratifies the palate : savor
condiments impart flavor to food
c. : the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance (as a portion of food or drink) in the mouth
a pungent bitter flavor
2. : any agent (as a spice or extract) designed to impart flavor to or alter the flavor of something
kept cinnamon, vanilla, and other flavors and extracts on a special shelf
3. : characteristic or predominant quality
the full flavor of English country life
often : characteristic style (as of a school or individual) in literature or art
the acrid flavor of his prose
Synonyms: see taste
II. verb
( flavored ; flavored ; flavoring -v(ə)riŋ ; flavors )
Usage: see -or
Etymology: Middle English flavren to give off an odor, from flavour, n.
transitive verb
: to give or add flavor to
flavored the salad with herbs and vinegar
often : to give character or zest to
his witty ad libs flavor the whole performance
intransitive verb
: to have a flavor : smack — used with of
this flavors of treason
III. noun
1. : a property that distinguishes different types of elementary particles (as quarks or neutrinos) ; also : any of the different types of particles that are distinguished by flavor
2. : variety 3
always summer here. Days come in two flavors: hot and hotter — C.D.May