GUSTATORY Meaning and
Definition
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Gustatory is an adjective used to describe or relate to the sense of taste. It refers specifically to taste or the act of tasting. It derives from the Latin word gustare, meaning "to taste."
In a physiological sense, gustatory pertains to the taste buds, which are specialized tissues located on the tongue and other parts of the mouth. These taste buds are responsible for the reception and interpretation of flavors. Different taste buds can detect various qualities such as sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and umami, allowing individuals to perceive and distinguish a wide range of tastes.
Beyond the physiological aspect, the term gustatory can also refer to the appreciation or evaluation of taste, particularly in reference to the enjoyment or discrimination of different flavors and culinary experiences. It encompasses the field of gastronomy and the study of food and its characteristics, encompassing elements such as texture, temperature, and aroma that contribute to the overall gustatory experience.
Furthermore, gustatory can also be used metaphorically to describe experiences beyond taste itself. For example, it can be employed to characterize an intellectual or artistic encounter that is reminiscent of the richness and complexity of flavors. In this sense, gustatory expands its scope, reaching beyond the tongue and encompassing the broader realm of sensory perception and aesthetic appreciation.
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Relating to gustation, or taste.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pert. to the taste; tending to please the taste.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GUSTATORY
Etymology of GUSTATORY
The word gustatory comes from the Latin word gustatus, which is the past participle of the verb gustare, meaning to taste. The Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *geus-, which means to taste or to choose. This root is also seen in other related words such as gustation and disgust.
Similar spelling words for GUSTATORY
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