umami

Etymology

From Japanese 旨味, うまみ (umami), which describes the quality of a pleasant, savory taste.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /uˈmɑːmi/
• Rhymes: -ɑːmi

Noun

umami (uncountable)

1. One of the five basic tastes, the savory taste of foods such as seaweed, cured fish, aged cheeses and meats.
   • 2011, Caitlin Moran, How to be a Woman:

     But we are, of course, sweaty, fleshy lady-animals – all fur and umami.

   • 2018 May 16, Adam Rogers, Wired, "The Fundamental Nihilism of Yanny vs. Laurel":

     A few types of molecules get sensed by receptors on the tongue. Protons coming off of acids ping receptors for "sour." Sugars get received as "sweet." Bitter, salty, and the proteinaceous flavor umami all set off their own neural cascades.

Anagrams

• imaum

Romanization

umami

1. Rōmaji transcription of うまみ

Noun

umami m (uncountable)

1. umami