degustation
UK[ˌdiːɡʌˈsteɪʃən]US[ˌdiɡəˈsteɪʃən]
n
The action or an instance of tasting food or drink, especially in a careful, appreciative manner.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
gust
ation
de
completely
gust
taste
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'degustation' is a direct borrowing from the Latin degustationem, the noun of action from the verb degustare, meaning "to taste thoroughly". This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix de- and the root gustare, "to taste". The root gustus (taste) is believed to derive from the Proto-Indo-European root ǵews-, meaning "to taste" or "to choose", which also gives us the English words "choice" and "disgust". Thus, the literal logic of "tasting completely" evolved into the modern, more specialized meaning of a careful, deliberate, and often formal sampling of a sequence of dishes, capturing the essence of a refined culinary evaluation.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + gust (taste) + ation (noun suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "completely" or "thoroughly".
- gust: A Latin root from gustus, meaning "taste".
- ation: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin, indicating an action or process.
Examples
The restaurant offers a seven-course degustation menu featuring seasonal ingredients.
The wine degustation allowed us to appreciate the subtle differences between vintages.
As a food critic, her job involves the degustation of new dishes from chefs across the city.