Zest

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É›st

Origin

French zeste, Greek ζέστη (zesti = warmth).

Full definition of zest

Noun

1. The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.The orange zest gives the strong flavors in this dish.
2. (by extension) Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; relish; gusto.Auntie Mame had a real zest for life.
• YoungAlmighty Vanity! to thee they owe
  Their zest of pleasure, and their balm of woe.
• GoganLiberality of disposition and conduct gives the highest zest and relish to social intercourse.
3. The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.
• 2006, N. J. Nusha, On the edge: short stories (page 85)The green zest of walnuts was used by the women to shine their teeth and it also gave a beautiful rust colour to their lips.

Related terms

Synonyms

• (enthusiasm) gusto
• (outer skin of citrus fruit; general vibrance of flavour) spice, relish, tang

Verb

1. (cooking) To scrape the zest from a fruit
2. To make more zesty----