gustatio
The English phrase tasting is translated into Latin as gustatio.
The term refers to the taking of a small amount of food or drink in order to taste it. In the context of a Roman banquet, gustatio refers specifically to the first course of the meal, which often included eggs, olives or shellfish.
Meaning: taking of a small amount of food or drink in order to taste it (noun)
Did you know?
- The term gustatio shares its root with the English word 'disgust', which literally means to 'taste' something in a way that is unpleasant.
- The English word 'gusto' comes, through Italian, from Latin gustus (taste), the noun behind gustatio.
- While gustatio was the first course, it was often followed by a mensae primae, the main course, and ended with a mensae secundae, the dessert course.
Examples in context
- Maecenas mihi gustum datMaecenas is giving me a taste
- Gustatio vinorum optima est.The tasting of wines is excellent.
- Post gustationem, cibum edemus.After the tasting, we will eat food.
Example conversation
Quintus and Julia are at a market with food samples.
- QuintusVide, Julia, gustatio mellea est!Look, Julia, there is a honey tasting!
- JuliaIta est, Quinte. Id probemus.It is, Quintus. Let us try it.
- QuintusHaec gustatio optima est.This tasting is the best.
- JuliaEquidem hoc melle delector.I am certainly delighted by this honey.
