zests

Noun

zest (countable and uncountable, plural zests)

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.

   Synonyms:

   punch, spice, tang, zing

3. (broadly) Enthusiasm; keen enjoyment; exciting and interesting; relish or gusto; a state of being zesty.
   • Auntie Mame had a real zest for life.

   Synonyms:

   gusto, relish

4. (rare) The woody, thick skin enclosing the kernel of a walnut.
   • The green zest of walnuts was used by the women to shine their teeth and it also gave a beautiful rust colour to their lips.2006, N. J. Nusha, On the Edge (Short Stories), Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, page 85
5. (derogatory, slang) State of being a flamboyant or effeminate homosexual.

See all 7 meanings of zest