tang

Definition

A refreshingly sharp aroma or flavor.

Etymology

From Middle English tange, variant of tonge (“tongs, fang”), from Old Norse tangi (“pointed metal tool”), perhaps related to Old Norse tunga (“tongue”). But see also Middle Dutch tanger (“sharp, tart, pinching”).

Example Sentences

• "a tang of citrus"
• "The miraculous air, heady with ozone and made memorably sweet by leagues of wild flowerets, gave tang and savour to the breath."
• "To make yogurt, milk or cream is pasteurized and homogenized, then Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles bacteria are added to convert the lactose into lactic acid. This is what thickens it, and gives it the distinct tang."