Tastebud (noun)

A small sensory organ on the tongue that is sensitive to taste and helps to distinguish sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french, based on latin tastus "taste" + bud.

Examples:

1. The tastebuds on the tongue help us to identify different flavors in food.
2. He discovered that the tastebuds on the back of his tongue were extra sensitive to sweetness.
3. She tested her tastebuds by trying different types of cuisine.
4. Scientists have long been fascinated by the functioning of tastebuds.
5. His tastebuds were dulled from years of smoking, making it difficult for him to taste the subtler flavors in his food.