Main Entry:

¹taste

Pronunciation:

\ˈtāst\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

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 verb1: to become acquainted with by experience <has tasted the frustration of defeat>2: to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth3: to eat or drink especially in small quantities4: to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste5archaic : appreciate, enjoyintransitive verb1: to eat or drink a little2: to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth3: to have perception, experience, or enjoyment : partake —often used with of4: to have a specific flavor <the apple tastes sour>