tang

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a tart spicy quality
  2. noun the imperial dynasty of China from 618 to 907
  3. noun the taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

nip, piquance, piquancy, piquantness, tanginess, zest

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading