definitions

zest

[ zest ]
/ zɛst /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR zest ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object)

to give zest, relish, or piquancy to.

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RELATED WORDS

seasoning, salt, flavoring, ginger, spice, enthusiasm, appetite, passion, fervor, body, get-up-and-go, zip, tang, bite, guts, punch, relish, savor, smack, charm

Nearby words

zeroth, zeroth law of thermodynamics, zerubbabel, zervan, zervanism, zest, zester, zestful, zesty, zeta, zeta sedimentation ratio

Origin of zest

1665–75; < French zest (now zeste) orange or lemon peel used for flavoring < ?

Related forms

zest·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for zest

British Dictionary definitions for zest

zest

/ (zɛst) /

noun

invigorating or keen excitement or enjoymenta zest for living
added interest, flavour, or charm; piquancyher presence gave zest to the occasion
something added to give flavour or relish
the peel or skin of an orange or lemon, used as flavouring in drinks, etc

verb

(tr) to give flavour, interest, or piquancy to

Derived Forms

Word Origin for zest

C17: from French zeste peel of citrus fruits used as flavouring, of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012