flavor

¹fla·vor

noun \ˈflā-vər\

Definition of FLAVOR

1

a archaic : odor, fragrance

b : the quality of something that affects the sense of taste

c : the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a substance in the mouth <the flavor of apples>

2

: a substance that flavors <artificial flavors>

3

a : characteristic or predominant quality <the ethnic flavor of a neighborhood>

b : a distinctive appealing or enlivening quality <her performance adds flavor to the show>

4

a : variety 3a

b : 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

5

: version 3 <flavors of software>

6

: one that is in the center of public attention for a limited time —usually used in phrases like flavor of the month

— fla·vored \-vərd\ adjective

— fla·vor·ful \-vər-fəl\ adjective

— fla·vor·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— fla·vor·less \-vər-ləs\ adjective

— fla·vor·some \-səm\ adjective

Examples of FLAVOR

1. This dish has an unusual flavor.
2. the hot, spicy flavors of Mexican food
3. a dish with unusual flavor
4. They sell 20 different flavors of ice cream.
5. Grape is my favorite bubble gum flavor.
6. The stew is full of flavor.
7. She added vanilla flavor to the custard.
8. I like the Italian flavor of the neighborhood.
9. The film has an avant-garde flavor.
10. Her performance adds flavor to the show.

Origin of FLAVOR

Middle English flavour, modification of Anglo-French flaur, flour, from Vulgar Latin *flator, alteration of Latin flatus breath, act of blowing — more at flatulent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FLAVOR

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, climate, aura, halo, karma, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s)

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

Near Antonyms

tastelessness

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with FLAVOR

caver, claver, favor, graver, haver, laver, quaver, raver, saver, savor, shaver, slaver, waiver, waver

²flavor

transitive verb

fla·voredfla·vor·ing \ˈflā-v(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FLAVOR

: to give or add flavor to

Examples of FLAVOR

1. We flavored the cookies with cinnamon.
2. I flavored the salad with herbs.

First Known Use of FLAVOR

1542

Related to FLAVOR

Synonyms

season, lace, savor (also savour), spice

Related Words

enhance, enrich, sauce; pepper, salt; aromatize, perfume

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel