Advanced Academic IELTS Words for "Tastes and Smells"

umami

noun

u

ju:

m

a

ɑ:

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‌a taste that is not sour, bitter, salty, or sweet, found in some foods such as meat, etc.

Example

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The broth had a rich umami flavor, thanks to the addition of mushrooms and seaweed.

Grilling the steak brought out its natural umami taste, making it incredibly flavorful.

What is "umami"?

Umami is often described as the fifth basic taste, alongside sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness. It is a savory or meaty taste sensation that is characteristic of foods containing glutamate, a type of amino acid. Umami is often found in foods such as meats, cheeses, mushrooms, tomatoes, and fermented products like aged cheeses and soybean paste. It adds depth, richness, and complexity to dishes, enhancing their overall flavor profile.

insipid

Adjective

i

ɪ

n

s

i

ɪ

p

i

ə

d

describing food that has no flavor or taste

briny

Adjective

b

r

i

aɪ

n

y

i

having the taste of salt

bland

Adjective

b

l

a

æ

n

d

(of drink or food) having no pleasant or strong flavor

piquant

Adjective

p

i

q

k

ua

ə

n

t

having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste

astringent

Adjective

a

ə

s

t

r

i

ɪ

n

g

ʤ

e

ə

n

t

having a sharp, bitter, or sour taste

nectarous

Adjective

n

e

ɛ

c

k

t

a

æ

r

ou

ə

s

having a deliciously sweet and pleasant taste

fetid

Adjective

f

e

ɛ

t

i

ə

d

having a strong and unpleasant smell

skunky

Adjective

s

k

u

ʌ

n

k

y

i

having a strong, pungent smell, often likened to the scent of a skunk

odoriferous

Adjective

o

oʊ

d

o

ə

r

i

ɪ

f

e

ə

r

ou

ə

s

having a distinct and often pleasant natural scent

ambrosial

Adjective

a

æ

m

b

r

o

oʊ

s

ʒ

ia

ə

l

describing food or aromas that are divine or heavenly

musty

Adjective

m

u

ə

s

t

y

i

having a stale, moldy, or damp odor, often associated with a lack of freshness and proper ventilation

musky

Adjective

m

u

ə

s

k

y

i

having a strong and distinctive scent, often associated with musk or similar natural fragrances

redolent

Adjective

r

e

ɛ

d

o

ə

l

e

ə

n

t

having a strong, pleasant smell

malodorous

Adjective

m

a

æ

l

o

oʊ

d

o

ə

r

ou

ə

s

having a strong and unpleasant smell

fragrant

rank

Adjective

r

a

æ

n

k

having a strong and unpleasant taste or smell

foul

Adjective

f

o

a

u

ʊ

l

having an extremely unpleasant taste or smell

putrid

Adjective

p

u

ju

t

r

i

ɪ

d

breaking down and rotting, typically referring to organic material

rancid

Adjective

r

a

æ

n

c

s

i

ɪ

d

(of food) having a spoiled or decomposed smell, typically due to the breakdown of fats or oils

offensive

Adjective

o

ə

ff

f

e

ɛ

n

s

i

ɪ

v

e

causing strong displeasure or disgust, particularly affecting the senses

dainty

Adjective

d

ai

eɪ

n

t

y

i

pleasing in taste

unpalatable

Adjective

u

ə

n

p

a

æ

l

a

ə

t

a

ə

b

ə

l

e

describing food that does not have a pleasant taste

palatable

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You learned 22 words from Describing Tastes and Smells. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

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