
noun
- the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.
- a particular taste or smell.
- distinctive quality or property.
- power to excite or interest.
- Archaic. repute.
verb (used without object)
- to have savor, taste, or odor.
- to exhibit the peculiar characteristics; smack (often followed by of): His business practices savor of greed.
verb (used with object)
- to give a savor to; season; flavor.
- to perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish: to savor the garden’s odors.
- to give oneself to the enjoyment of: to savor the best in life.
n.mid-13c., from Old French savor “flavor, taste; sauce, seasoning; delight, pleasure,” from Latin saporem (nominative sapor) “taste, flavor,” related to sapere “to have a flavor” (see sapient). v.c.1300, from Old French savorer “taste, breathe in; appreciate, care for,” from Late Latin saporare, from Latin sapor (see savor (n.)). Related: Savored; savoring.