tastebuds
Flavor detection cells
Tastebuds are the sensory receptors on the tongue that detect flavor—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.
The word often appears figuratively for one's sense of taste or flavor preferences: My tastebuds aren't ready for anything that spicy.
Also spelled as two words: taste buds.
Enjoy with full attention
- relishKeen pleasurable appreciation
- enjoyTake pleasure in
- indulgeSatisfy a craving
- delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction
satisfy · crave · anticipate · linger · awaken · tingle · excite · overwhelm
Small tissue protrusions
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
- tongueOral muscle for taste
- gustationSense of flavor
chemoreception · epithelium · nerves · signal · transduction · stimulation · perception · detection
Sugary taste quality
- saltinessBriny flavor quality
- sournessAcidic taste quality
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- umamiFifth taste sensation
savory · spiciness · tanginess · richness · smokiness · fruitiness · nuttiness · earthiness
Oral cavity ceiling
- connoisseurExpert in matters of taste
- sommelierTrained wine service professional
- gastronomeCulinary connoisseur
- epicureanConnoisseur of sensual pleasures
gourmet · foodie · taster · supertaster · refined · cultivated · sophisticated · discerning
Oral texture perception
- creaminessSmooth, velvety quality
- crispnessSnappy, firm texture
- juicinessState of being moist
- succulenceMoisture-rich quality
dryness · fattiness · silkiness · graininess · fizziness · chewiness · tenderness · crunchiness
savor
Enjoy with full attention
delight · satisfy · crave · anticipate · linger · awaken · tingle · excite · overwhelm · tantalize
papillae
Small tissue protrusions
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
- tongueOral muscle for taste
gustation · chemoreception · epithelium · nerves · signal · transduction · stimulation · perception · detection · sensitivity
sweetness
Sugary taste quality
- saltinessBriny flavor quality
- sournessAcidic taste quality
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
umami · savory · spiciness · tanginess · richness · smokiness · fruitiness · nuttiness · earthiness · citrusy
palate
Oral cavity ceiling
- connoisseurExpert in matters of taste
- sommelierTrained wine service professional
- gastronomeCulinary connoisseur
epicurean · gourmet · foodie · taster · supertaster · refined · cultivated · sophisticated · discerning · trained
mouthfeel
Oral texture perception
- creaminessSmooth, velvety quality
- crispnessSnappy, firm texture
- juicinessState of being moist
succulence · dryness · fattiness · silkiness · graininess · fizziness · chewiness · tenderness · crunchiness · smoothness
tastebudsnose
Olfactory facial organ
nasal passages · nostrils · photoreceptors · retina · cochlea