Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ʊ͡ənəs] (IPA) 
The word "sourness" is spelled with a "s" followed by an "ou" which makes the "uh" sound as in "uh-oh." This is then followed by a rolled "r" sound and an "n" sound at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /ˈsaʊr.nəs/. Sourness refers to the taste or quality of being sour or acidic, often associated with foods like lemons or vinegar.
Sourness is a noun that refers to the taste or flavor sensation that is sharp, acidic, biting, or tangy. It is a quality often associated with substances that have a high concentration of acids, such as lemons, vinegar, or unripe fruits.
In the realm of taste and culinary experiences, sourness is considered one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, and umami. It is often used to balance or contrast other flavors, offering a refreshing or stimulating effect. The sensation of sourness is generally perceived on the sides of the tongue and can stimulate the salivary glands, causing an increased flow of saliva.
Metaphorically, sourness can also describe a negative or unpleasant attitude, disposition, or mood. When used in this context, it typically refers to bitterness, resentment, or obstinacy. It suggests a displeasing or disagreeable behavior or response towards a person, situation, or idea.
In certain contexts, sourness may also imply an excessive dose of acidity or tartness that goes beyond the usual or desired levels. This could refer, for example, to a cooking mishap where a dish becomes overly acidic or tart, resulting in an unappetizing flavor. Similarly, it might describe a beverage, such as wine or beer, that has turned sour due to unwanted fermentation or age.
Acidity; sharpness to the taste.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sourness" originated from the Old English word "sūrnes", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "sūrīnass". This word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*seur-" meaning "sour" or "acidic". The term has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and pronunciation throughout its linguistic history.
