Main Entry: zest

Pronunciation: \ˈzest\

Function: noun

Etymology: obsolete French (now zeste), orange or lemon peel (used as flavoring)

Date: circa 1674

1 : a piece of the peel of a citrus fruit (as an orange or lemon) used as flavoring
2 : an enjoyably exciting quality : piquancy <adds zest to the performance>
3 : keen enjoyment : relish, gusto <has a zest for living>

— zest·ful \-fəl\ adjective

— zest·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— zest·ful·ness noun

— zest·less \-ləs\ adjective