umami

u-ma-mi · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A category of taste corresponding to the flavor of glutamates, especially monosodium glutamate, recognized as one of the five basic tastes alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

  2. 2.

    The savory, meaty quality characteristic of foods containing glutamates.

Related words

See also: flavor, savory
Synonyms: savoriness, savory

Etymology

From Japanese umami meaning "delicious taste," from umai "delicious" + mi "taste."