ZEST

nip, piquance, piquancy, piquantness, tang, tanginess, zest

(noun) a tart spicy quality

gusto, relish, zest, zestfulness

(noun) vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

zest, spice, spice up

(verb) add herbs or spices to

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

zest (countable and uncountable, plural zests)

The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.

General vibrance of flavour.

(by extension) Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; relish; gusto.

(rare) The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.

Synonyms

• (enthusiasm): gusto, relish

• (general vibrance of flavour): punch, spice, tang, zing

Verb

zest (third-person singular simple present zests, present participle zesting, simple past and past participle zested)

(cooking) To scrape the zest from a fruit.

To make more zesty.

Anagrams

• Tsez

Source: Wiktionary

Zest, n. Etym: [F. zeste, probably fr. L. schistos split, cleft, divided, Gr. Schism.]

1. A piece of orange or lemon peel, or the aromatic oil which may be squeezed from such peel, used to give flavor to liquor, etc.

2. Hence, something that gives or enhances a pleasant taste, or the taste itself; an appetizer; also, keen enjoyment; relish; gusto. Almighty Vanity! to thee they owe Their zest of pleasure, and their balm of woe. Young. Liberality of disposition and conduct gives the highest zest and relish to social intercourse. Gogan.

3. The woody, thick skin inclosing the kernel of a walnut. [Obs.]

Zest, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Zested; p. pr. & vb. n. Zesting.]

1. To cut into thin slips, as the peel of an orange, lemon, etc.; to squeeze, as peel, over the surface of anything.

2. To give a relish or flavor to; to heighten the taste or relish of; as, to zest wine. Gibber.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition