Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Gustatory" – Episode Summary

Release Date: April 12, 2025

Introduction

On April 12, 2025, Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast delved into the adjective "gustatory." Hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the episode provides an in-depth exploration of the word, its meanings, usages, and etymological roots. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and insights for listeners seeking to enhance their vocabulary.

Definition of "Gustatory"

"Gustatory" is an adjective that pertains to the sense of taste or the act of eating. Peter Sokolowski emphasizes its relevance in describing experiences related to consuming food and the sensory perceptions associated with taste.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Gustatory is an adjective. It describes things that are related to or associated with eating or the sense of taste."

Usage Example

To illustrate the application of "gustatory," Sokolowski references a sentence from Carl Hamilton's "The Cecil Wig." This example underscores the pleasurable aspects associated with taste.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Here's the word used in a sentence from the Cecil Wig by Carl Hamilton for those who have never experienced the gustatory pleasure. 'These cream puffs consist of freshly baked pastry shells, generously covered with powdered sugar and bloated with chilled vanilla pudding that has been pumped into them.'"

This vivid description not only clarifies the meaning of "gustatory" but also paints a sensory-rich image that appeals to the listener's taste perceptions.

Relationship with Other Sensory Words

"Sokolowski" places "gustatory" within a broader category of sensory-related words, highlighting its peers that describe other senses through adjectives. This categorization aids in understanding how "gustatory" fits into the English language's descriptive framework.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Gustatory is a member of a finite set of words that describe the senses with which we encounter our world, the other members being visual, oral, olfactory, and tactile."

By associating "gustatory" with visual, oral, olfactory (relating to smell), and tactile (relating to touch), listeners gain a comprehensive view of sensory adjectives, enhancing their ability to describe experiences accurately.

Etymology and Related Words

Understanding the origins of "gustatory" enriches one's grasp of its meaning and usage. Sokolowski traces the word back to its Latin roots, revealing its historical and linguistic evolution.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Like its peers, gustatory has its roots in Latin. In this case, the Latin word 'gustare,' meaning to taste."

From "gustare," several related terms emerge, expanding the listener's vocabulary and illustrating the interconnectedness of English words with Latin origins.

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski: "Gustare is a direct ancestor of gustatory, gustation, meaning the act or sensation of tasting, and de gustation, meaning the action or an instance of tasting, especially in a series of small portions. More distant relatives of gustare include 'choose' and 'disgust.'"

These connections not only highlight the richness of the English language but also provide mnemonic aids for remembering the meanings of these words.

Conclusion

The April 12, 2025, episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" enriches listeners' linguistic knowledge by unpacking the adjective "gustatory." Through clear definitions, practical examples, and explorations of etymology, Peter Sokolowski offers a comprehensive understanding of the word and its place within the sensory lexicon. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary and appreciate the nuanced ways in which language captures human experiences.

Additional Resources

For those interested in exploring more words, definitions, and wordplay, Merriam-Webster encourages listeners to visit their website:

[01:57] Outro by Merriam-Webster: "Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."

This summary is intended to provide an insightful overview of the "gustatory" episode for those who have not listened to the original podcast.