Definition of "zest" in English

noun

1. The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.

   • The orange zest gives the strong flavor in this dish.

2. General vibrance of flavour.

   • I add zest to the meat by rubbing it with a spice mixture before grilling.

3. (by extension) Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; relish; gusto.

   • Auntie Mame had a real zest for life.
   • 1728, Edward Young, Love of Fame, the Universal Passion, Satire II in The Works of the Reverend Edward Young, London: P. Brown, H. Hill & S. Payne, 1765, Volume I, p. 85, Almighty vanity! to thee they owe Their zest of pleasure, and their balm of woe.
   • 1807, Thomas Cogan, An Ethical Treatise on the Passions, Bath: Hazard & Binns, Part 1, Disquisition 1, Chapter 1, Section 1 “On the utility of the Passions and Affections,” p. 51, Liberality of disposition and conduct gives the highest zest and relish to social intercourse.

4. (rare) The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.

5. (slang, LGBTQ, derogatory) State of being a flamboyant or effeminate homosexual.

verb

1. (cooking) To scrape the zest from a fruit.

2. To make more zesty.