aftertaste
AF-tur-tayst
/ˈæf.tər.teɪst/
A taste that remains in the mouth after eating or drinking something.
Can be positive (lingering sweetness) or negative (bitter chemical residue). In wine tasting, a long aftertaste is usually a sign of high quality.
The story behind the word. A straightforward English compound word that appeared in the 17th century to describe the persistence of flavor after the initial swallow.
Word relationships
- finish: In professional wine and spirits tasting, 'finish' is the preferred term for aftertaste.
Collocations
- bitter aftertaste
- pleasant aftertaste
- lingering aftertaste
- metallic aftertaste
Idioms & expressions
- leave a bad taste in one's mouth
Example sentences
- "The diet soda left a strange, metallic aftertaste in my mouth." Describing a poor quality sweetener.
- "The finish was remarkable, with a long, fruity aftertaste that lingered for minutes." Describing a high-quality wine.
Memory hook
It's the taste that comes 'after' you swallow. The ghost of the flavor.
When not to use
Usually used for food and drink, but can be used metaphorically for a lingering feeling.
Fun facts
- The length of an aftertaste is measured in 'caudalies' by professional wine tasters; one caudalie equals one second.
Explore more words
savor, linger, degustation, organoleptic, astringency, tannin
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