zest
/zɛst/
NOUN
1. Enthusiasm and keen enjoyment
A strong feeling of enthusiasm, energy, or enjoyment that makes someone approach an activity or experience with eagerness and pleasure.
1.1. Enthusiasm for life and activities
A lively and energetic attitude toward life, experiences, or activities, characterized by eagerness, excitement, and a strong desire to participate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- apathy
- indifference
- lethargy
- listlessness
- disinterest
Examples
- His enthusiasm and zest for life made every gathering more enjoyable.
- She approached every new challenge with zest and determination.
Related Words
1.2. Pleasure and relish in an experience
A strong sense of enjoyment or satisfaction derived from doing something, experiencing something, or taking part in an activity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dislike
- aversion
- boredom
- apathy
- disinterest
Examples
- She tackled the difficult assignment with zest.
- He took great zest in discovering unfamiliar places.
Related Words
- satisfaction
- gratification
- delectation
- contentment
- appreciation
- enthusiasm
NOUN
2. The flavorful outer peel of citrus fruit
The thin, colored outer skin of a citrus fruit, containing aromatic oils and used to add flavor to food and drinks.
2.1. Grated citrus peel used as flavoring
The aromatic outer layer of lemon, orange, lime, or another citrus fruit, grated or cut into small pieces and added to recipes for its distinctive flavor.
Synonyms
- citrus peel
- lemon peel
- orange peel
- grated peel
- citrus rind
Examples
- She added zest to the salad with a generous squeeze of lemon.
- The recipe calls for freshly grated lemon zest.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A lively or distinctive quality of flavor
A noticeable sharp, tangy, or pleasantly stimulating quality that gives food or drink a more distinctive and interesting taste.
3.1. Tangy or pungent taste
A lively, sharp, or pleasantly pungent flavor that makes food or drink more stimulating and distinctive.
Synonyms
- tang
- piquancy
- pungency
- sharpness
- spiciness
- bite
Antonyms
- blandness
- insipidity
- flatness
- tastelessness
Examples
- The fresh herbs gave the dish an unexpected zest.
- The lemon juice added zest to the sauce.
Related Words
NOUN
4. The outer covering of a walnut
The thick, woody outer covering that encloses the edible kernel of a walnut.
4.1. Woody shell surrounding a walnut kernel
The hard, thick outer shell that protects the edible kernel inside a walnut.
Synonyms
- walnut shell
- nut shell
- husk
Related Words
- kernel
- walnut
- nut
- shell
- hull
VERB
5. To remove the outer peel of citrus fruit
To scrape or cut the thin, aromatic outer skin from a citrus fruit for use as a flavoring.
5.1. Scraping citrus peel
To remove the colored outer layer of a lemon, orange, lime, or other citrus fruit, usually with a grater or zester.
Synonyms
Examples
- She zested a lemon over the mixing bowl before adding the juice.
Related Words
- zester
- grater
- citrus peel
- rind
- shred
VERB
6. To make something more flavorful or lively
To give something a more lively, distinctive, or stimulating quality, especially by adding flavor or interest.
6.1. Adding flavor or interest
To make food more tangy or appealing, or to make an experience or presentation more lively and interesting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- A little lemon juice can zest up the dressing.