[うまみ, umami] (n) (1) good flavor (flavour); good taste; deliciousness; (2) umami (fifth category of taste, corresponding to the flavour of glutamates); (3) skill; (4) profit
(n) white crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor; often used in Chinese cooking, Syn. MSG, Example:food manufacturers sometimes list MSG simply as `artificial flavors' in ingredient lists
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. The monosodium salt of the natural amino acid L-glutamine (C5H8NNaO4), used as a food additive to enhance flavor; abbreviated MSG. It is usually marketed as the monhydrate (C5H8NNaO4.H2O). It is commmonly used in Chinese-American restaurants, and has been identified as a main cause of Chinese restaurant syndrome. [ WordNet 1.5 ]